Last week, Congresswoman Dr. Kim Schrier contacted AJAC to learn more about our training programs in the 8th congressional district. She wanted an opportunity to meet apprentices who have excelled in their manufacturing career and learn more about manufacturing employers in her district.
AJAC set-up a tour at Laser Cutting Northwest, a fabrication shop in Auburn, Washington specializing in laser cutter, machining, forming, welding, finishing and assembly. Laser Cutting Northwest has been an active partnering employer with AJAC for over five years.
Congresswoman Schrier then met with James Montgomery, a former Manufacturing Academy student and soon-to-be apprentice graduate. James completed his pre-apprenticeship training through AJAC in 2019 and started his Precision Metal Fabricator apprenticeship with Laser Cutting Northwest in early 2020.
James spoke about his time training with AJAC, the perseverance to complete his apprenticeship during COVID, and the new doors that have opened as a result of going through a structured apprenticeship program.
A special thank you to Congresswoman Kim Schrier and her staff for providing AJAC and Laser Cutting Northwest a forum to talk about apprenticeships and how companies across Washington State are benefitting from this investment in job training.