The World Needs More Rosies

When Kayle Arneson first heard about apprenticeships, she never imagined it would lead to a career in advanced manufacturing. She had originally planned to pursue architecture, but one conversation with her stepdad changed everything. Four years later, Kayle graduated from AJAC’s Machinist Apprenticeship Program as part of the Class of 2026, earning both her journey-level certificate and college degree while building a successful career at K&N Electric Motors in Spokane, Washington.

Today, Kayle is a machinist responsible for repairing electric motors that power everything from elevators and manufacturing equipment to ventilation systems in commercial buildings. Her work doesn’t simply restore worn components. It extends the life of critical equipment through precision machining, engineering, and craftsmanship that helps keep industries moving.

Discovering a Passion for Manufacturing
Although Kayle didn’t come from a traditional manufacturing education, she always enjoyed working with her hands. Growing up alongside her father, a heavy diesel mechanic, she spent countless hours in the shop learning mechanical skills. Instead of following a conventional path after high school, she chose an apprenticeship that allowed her to earn a paycheck while learning valuable skills on the job.

Looking back, Kayle says the biggest advantage of apprenticeship was clear.

She graduated without student debt, gained years of real-world experience, and earned nationally recognized credentials while working full-time. Instead of learning only from textbooks, she developed practical skills every day alongside experienced mentors.

Learning Through Real-World Experience
Throughout her four-year apprenticeship, Kayle learned far more than how to operate machine tools.

At K&N Electric Motors, she works with manual mills, lathes, CNC equipment, welding, grinders, and countless specialty tools to manufacture and repair precision components. Every project brings a new challenge requiring creativity, problem-solving, and technical expertise.

One milestone stands above the rest.

Only two years into her apprenticeship, Kayle was trusted to machine an 18,000-pound crane drum weighing nearly 70 tons. It was a moment that reminded her just how far she had come—from being nervous to touch a machine to independently completing one of the company’s largest machining projects.

Breaking Barriers in Manufacturing
When Kayle joined K&N Electric Motors, she became the first woman to work on the company’s shop floor.

Rather than feeling intimidated, she viewed the opportunity as motivation. She wanted to prove that skill, determination, and work ethic matter far more than stereotypes. Today, she encourages more women to explore careers in manufacturing, believing the industry offers tremendous opportunities for anyone willing to learn.

“The world needs more Rosies,” as she proudly states, reflecting her belief that more women belong in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing careers.

She also emphasizes that today’s manufacturing workplaces are far different than many people imagine. Through supportive mentors and teammates, she gained the confidence to tackle physically demanding work while continuously building her technical skills.

The Power of Mentorship
Ask Kayle what made the biggest difference during her apprenticeship, and she doesn’t immediately talk about machines.

She talks about people.

From experienced mentors at K&N Electric Motors to AJAC instructors who remain available long after class ends, Kayle credits much of her success to those willing to share decades of knowledge. She says those relationships gave her practical skills she still uses every day and created a support system unlike anything she experienced in traditional education.

For Kayle, apprenticeship isn’t simply about learning a trade.

It’s about preserving knowledge before an experienced workforce retires. She believes apprenticeships ensure critical manufacturing skills continue to be passed from one generation to the next, helping strengthen industries that communities rely on every day.

Looking Toward the Future
Graduating from AJAC is only the beginning.

Kayle plans to continue developing her leadership skills while advancing her machining expertise. Whether she eventually steps into management or opens her own machine shop someday, she knows her apprenticeship has given her a strong foundation to build upon.

Her message to future apprentices is simple: don’t let fear or stereotypes keep you from exploring manufacturing.

If you’re willing to learn, work hard, and embrace new challenges, an apprenticeship can provide hands-on experience, debt-free education, lifelong skills, and a career filled with opportunity.

As AJAC celebrates its Class of 2026, graduates like Kayle Arneson demonstrate exactly why apprenticeship matters. Their success is helping strengthen Washington’s manufacturing workforce while ensuring the next generation of skilled trades professionals is ready to keep critical industries moving.