When Moli Moli first considered a career change, he was working as a foreman for local roofers and waterproofers. The work was slow, and he knew he needed new skills to advance. That’s when he discovered AJAC’s Manufacturing Academy—a pre-apprenticeship program designed to help people gain the training they need for a long-term career in manufacturing.
“It seemed like some good training. I needed to get retrained because roofing was kind of slow. So I went for it,” Moli says.
After completing the Manufacturing Academy, Moli worked closely with AJAC’s Career Navigation team, who helped him secure a position at 3V Precision Machining in Tacoma, Washington. Specializing in machined metal parts for the aerospace, medical, and commercial industries, 3V has been partnering with AJAC since 2012, enrolling 34 apprentices in roles such as Machinist, Logistics Specialist, Operations Specialist, and Industrial Maintenance Technician.
For Moli, joining AJAC wasn’t just about training—it was about support and guidance.
“If I’m doing it alone, that’d be coming out of my pocket. I don’t even know if I’d be going to school. I’d just be concentrating on going to work, grinding. But with AJAC, I’m not alone.”
The program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience. Moli learned to use micrometers, calipers, and other precision tools at AJAC, then immediately applied those skills on the job at 3V. From checking machine maintenance to loading parts and changing tools, every day brings new challenges—and new learning opportunities.
“It’s fascinating being a machinist apprentice because you’re building things that are precise. It’s not just, you know, just a roof. AJAC changed my life. It just feels more welcoming. The trades… you get tired of that grind. AJAC seemed more cool, and you use your brain more instead of just your back.”
Moli reflects on his journey with gratitude and excitement. “I should have come way earlier. I’m just appreciative that there’s a program like this that’ll help basically anybody. I never thought I’d come in, go to AJAC, go back to school, and do all this precision stuff. But I’m here.”
Landing a job at 3V Precision Machining wasn’t just a milestone—it was a validation of all his hard work and the support he received from AJAC. “I felt accomplished, and I felt like I had support through AJAC, like AJAC was backing me up. I didn’t feel like I was just out there alone.”
Moli’s story is a powerful reminder of how the right training, support, and opportunities can transform a career. With AJAC, apprentices don’t just learn a trade—they build a future.
