The partnership between Pathfinder Manufacturing and AJAC is a testament to the impact of collaboration in workforce development. Pathfinder Manufacturing, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering personal growth and economic independence for students and adults with disabilities, has joined forces with AJAC to create a structured manufacturing career pathway for youth and young adults. Together, our organizations are ensuring that aspiring workers have access to training, internships, and apprenticeships that lead to sustainable manufacturing careers.
Expanding Training Opportunities
Since 2017, AJAC and Pathfinder have worked together to provide registered apprenticeship training for Pathfinder employees and high school students. Pathfinder has also built strong partnerships with over 10 high schools in Snohomish County, including many in rural areas, offering paid internships to students with disabilities.
In 2024, AJAC and Pathfinder expanded their partnership by incorporating Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) resources to launch a six-week career readiness training program. This initiative equips students with essential skills such as OSHA, CPR, and First Aid training, as well as blueprint reading and precision measurement techniques. School counselors refer students with Individualized Education or 504 plans to Pathfinder, recognizing that hands-on engagement in manufacturing significantly enhances student graduation rates and career readiness.
Paid Internships and Hands-On Learning
Following the career readiness training, students who demonstrate proficiency in fundamental manufacturing skills are placed in paid internships at Pathfinder. These internships last up to six months, pairing students with experienced employee mentors. Funding for the first eight weeks (up to 120 hours) is covered by AJAC through DVR and Snohomish County ARPA resources, while Pathfinder covers the remaining internship period.
Throughout their internships, students are immersed in a real-world manufacturing environment where they are held to high performance standards. They contribute to the production of high-quality goods that undergo rigorous testing before being distributed to companies. AJAC’s investment in internship funding has alleviated financial strain on Pathfinder, enabling the nonprofit to allocate resources elsewhere. As a result, AJAC has expanded its footprint at Pathfinder, now offering its 10-week Manufacturing Academy (MA) program at the facility. This allows both Pathfinder and AJAC students to gain direct access to employers, pre-apprenticeship training, and apprenticeship opportunities. AJAC initially leveraged ARPA funding for the Manufacturing Academy, and it is now sustained through private foundation support. However, both organizations are actively seeking new workforce partnerships to replace these funding sources, which are set to expire in the summer of 2025.
From Training to Employment
Upon completing their internships, some students transition into permanent employment with Pathfinder, while others are connected to jobs at companies like Boeing and other manufacturing firms. AJAC and Pathfinder leverage their extensive employer networks to facilitate job placements and guide students into pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, ensuring continued career development.
Through their shared vision and strategic collaboration, AJAC and Pathfinder Manufacturing are creating meaningful career pathways that empower individuals with disabilities and strengthen the manufacturing workforce. Their partnership stands as a model for how organizations can join forces to drive workforce innovation and economic opportunity.
