Archives: Case Studies

Kim Schrier LCNW

February 28, 2022

Rep. Kim Schrier Visits AJAC Apprentices

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…

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AJAC Employer Roundtable Workforce Training

December 8, 2021

Workforce Training Remains Top Priority During Employer Roundtable

Nearly two years ago before the start of the pandemic, AJAC held its last in-person employer roundtable in Snohomish County. Since then, a dramatic shift in workforce development and skill…

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AJAC award money from Washington State for aerospace apprenticeships

November 9, 2021

Washington State Invests $3.8 Million in Aerospace Apprenticeship Expansion—AJAC Awarded $1.3 Million

  AJAC is thrilled to announce we are the recipients of $1.3 million in grant funding through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries’ “Aerospace Workforce Development Expansion” Grant.…

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AJAC Manufacturing Day

October 7, 2021

MFG Day 21 with Pexco Aerospace

  Launched annually on the first Friday in October with events that continue throughout the month, MFG Day helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of…

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AJAC Youth Internship program

October 4, 2021

Berry Global Youth Internship Program

Beginning in 2014, AJAC partnered with the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to provide a 12-week pre-apprenticeship training to incarcerated young men living in a DCYF transitional…

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Port of Seattle Equity Index

September 17, 2021

AJAC Featured in Port of Seattle’s “Equity Index”

The Equity Index was established to develop equity-based partnerships and provide resources and support in the most vulnerable, underfunded communities in King County. With the Equity Index, the Port employs…

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Economic Alliance Snohomish County Coffee Chats

August 23, 2021

Coffee Chats: Leveraging Apprenticeships to Strengthen Your Workforce

Economic Alliance Snohomish County offers regular webinar’s through their Coffee Chat’s series. The topic on August 17th was Leveraging Apprenticeships to Strengthen Your Workforce. Participants included Angie Sievers, Snohomish STEM;…

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AJAC discusses apprenticeships

July 20, 2021

AJAC Discusses Apprenticeships with PNAA & Tool Gauge

The Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA) invited AJAC and Tool Gauge to their Factory Friday Tour event to discuss workforce training solutions including registered apprenticeship programs for advanced manufacturing. The…

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Truman High School Manufacturing Academy Program

July 19, 2021

AJAC Trains Opportunity Youth for Manufacturing Careers

Beginning in 2014, AJAC partnered with the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to provide a 12-week pre-apprenticeship training to incarcerated young men living in a DCYF transitional…

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AMP Advanced Manufacturing Prep logo

July 19, 2021

No-Cost Two-Day Manufacturing Training August 3rd & 4th

Advanced Manufacturing Prep (AMP) is a two-day in-person workshop developed by the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) to help job-seekers navigate the various career pathways into the aerospace and advanced…

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AJAC graduates apprentices

July 6, 2021

AJAC Celebrates 129 Graduates from the Class of 2020 & 2021

On June 22nd, AJAC held its first virtual apprenticeship graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 and 2021—ushering in 129 graduates across six different apprenticeship occupations. These 129 graduates represented…

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Stephanie Simmons

June 15, 2021

5 Questions with Stephanie Simmons

Meet AJAC’s new Fiscal Specialist—Stephanie Simmons! Stephanie has over ten years of experience in administration, accounting, human resources, and fiscal compliance within the casino and hospitality management industries, as well…

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May 7, 2021

2021 Youth Apprenticeship Info Session

  Tracey Turcotte, AJAC’s Youth Apprenticeship Manager held an information session for prospective Youth Apprentices interested in joining our programs for the 2021-2022 school year. AJAC currently operates two registered…

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Leo Vogel

April 20, 2021

5 Questions With Leo Vogel

Meet AJAC’s new Financial Aid Manager, Leo Vogel. Leo comes to AJAC with over 12 years of experience in financial aid which spans career/adult education, private university education, and public/state…

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April 2, 2021

Youth Apprenticeship Spokane | WEMCO, Inc.

Meet Connor Snell, a Production Technician (Youth Apprentice) through the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC). Connor launched his career in manufacturing after receiving an offer from WEMCO, Inc., a Spokane-based…

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March 22, 2021

AJAC Apprentice Encourages More Women to Pursue Manufacturing

AJAC Machinist apprentice, Mallory Martindale, was invited to speak on a panel regarding women in nontraditional occupations hosted by WANTO. Mallory is nearly complete with her four-year machining apprenticeship, and…

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March 5, 2021

Blue Origin Apprentice Talks Manufacturing Academy & Apprenticeship

Nyck Davis spent his afternoons measuring objects around his house. The COVID-19 pandemic forced Nyck to reimagine himself, not as a former automotive technician at Mercedes Benz, but as a…

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AJAC Juvenile rehabilitation through apprenticeship

March 4, 2021

Instructor Goes Extra Mile in Juvenile Rehabilitation

This article was originally written and published by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).  One of the many benefits of youth placement in least restrictive community…

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Hector Martinez

February 26, 2021

AJAC Youth Apprentice Featured in STEM Newsletter

Hector Martinez enrolled in AJAC’s two-year Automation Technician (Youth) Apprenticeship program in 2019 after receiving an offer from Yakima Chief Hops. Hector went to Toppenish High School and was also…

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February 23, 2021

AJAC Featured in Aspen Institute Work-Based Learning Report

America’s youngest workers, particularly young adults of color, are facing the most dire employment prospects since the Great Depression. As our nation looks toward recovery, and policymakers and investors seek…

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February 5, 2021

AJAC Talks Food Processing on New Podcast

  AJAC’s Regional Program Manager, Heather Collins, and Manufacturing Academy instructor, Stephen Matczak, sat down with Michelle Smith from the South Central Workforce Council to talk about AJAC’s exciting new apprenticeship…

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January 21, 2021

AJAC Launches New CNC Programmer Apprenticeship

The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) is excited to offer a new CNC Programmer Apprenticeship this spring! This program combines on-the-job training (OJT) with evening classes one night a week. AJAC…

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Lonnie Franklin

December 22, 2020

5 Questions with Lonnie Franklin

What was the last experience that made you a stronger person? Making the move back to Seattle was something that made me a stronger person.  Moving and going through a…

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Kailey Harding, AJAC

December 15, 2020

Why I Chose Manufacturing | Kailey Harding

Kailey Harding’s interest in manufacturing first peaked when she saw students making carbon fiber skateboards at the Pierce County Skills Center. As an avid longboarder, she was immediately drawn to…

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Priscilla Johnson

December 7, 2020

5 Questions with Priscilla Johnson

What will your new role at AJAC include?  My role here at AJAC will be teaching the Manufacturing Academy pre-apprenticeship program. I will be providing instructional training for individuals that…

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Trudie Dole

November 30, 2020

She Was Ready for a Fresh Start, Now She’s Got a Fresh Career

She was ready for a fresh start, now she’s got a fresh career | Renton Reporter Connect to training – and employers hungry for new talent – in advanced manufacturing.…

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Aurelia Greene

November 23, 2020

Lift off! Take your career from the launch pad to the stratosphere

Lift off! Take your career from the launch pad to the stratosphere | Kent Reporter Aurelia Greene has completed all of the college-level classwork for her Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee…

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Machine Operator

November 19, 2020

New Machine Operator Apprenticeship Launches in Yakima County for Food Manufacturers

No-cost training to launch this spring to upskill machine operators through registered apprenticeship YAKIMA, WA-November 19, 2020 – Over the next 10 years, 596 food-processing employees across Washington State will…

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November 17, 2020

Free Online Mentorship Matters Training December 3rd

Maximize Your Mentoring Effectiveness Having a structured mentorship system is a key component of an effective workforce development strategy. Never has this been more critical than today, with the vast…

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Evan Thomas

November 12, 2020

One-on-One with Evan Thomas, AJAC Machinist Graduate

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2020, AJAC sat down with former machinist graduate, Evan Thomas, for a candid interview about his apprenticeship experience. Our 24-minute conversation covered a wide variety…

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Mallory Martindale, apprentice

November 9, 2020

Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships Launch Out-of-This-World Opportunities

Advanced manufacturing apprenticeships launch out-of-this-world opportunities | HeraldNet.com Mallory Martindale’s apprenticeship with the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee is almost complete. She’s been working in manufacturing since she graduated high school,…

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November 3, 2020

Juvenile Rehabilitation Students Harvest Opportunity to Give Back

It’s shortly after 8 o’clock in the morning on a farm outside of Tacoma, Washington. Summer has ended and the mornings have become brisk with a layer of fog blanketing…

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Noah Retallic

October 2, 2020

Becoming A Youth Apprentice in a Small Town

Meet Noah Retallic, a 17 year-old Automation Technician Youth Apprentice through the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC). Noah enrolled in the Youth Apprenticeship in Spring 2020 and immediately began his…

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Stephen Metczak

September 23, 2020

5 Questions With Stephen Matczak

Please welcome our newest Manufacturing Academy instructor, Stephen Matczak! In 2010, Stephen completed his machining degree at Perry Technical Institute in Yakima, Washington and in 2013 became one of the…

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September 2, 2020

New Grants & Partnerships | Q1 & Q2 2020

As a statewide, nonprofit 501(c)(3) aerospace and advanced manufacturing registered apprenticeship organization, AJAC raises public and private resources through grants and contracts on behalf of our mission to develop, implement…

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July 28, 2020

Supporting Kent Manufacturers During COVID-19

The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC), Kent Valley Economic Development, City of Kent, Port of Seattle, and Green River College have partnered to support Kent manufacturers and their employees during…

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Trino Mack AJAC

June 19, 2020

Congratulations to the AJAC Class of 2020

AJAC’s annual graduation ceremony at the Museum of Flight was postponed this year due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Although we will celebrate all of our graduates during the 2021…

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AJAC apprentice

May 28, 2020

Meet Rachel, AJAC’s New Maintenance Technician Apprentice

Meet Rachel Bertapelle, one of 19 AJAC Industrial Maintenance Technician apprentices at Agri Beef in Toppenish, Washington. Rachel enrolled in AJAC’s 8,000 hour program this past winter and is now…

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Basic Hand Tools

May 27, 2020

AJAC To Offer New Low-Cost, Short-Term Trainings This July!

New Lost-Cost, Short-Term Trainings From AJAC AJAC is excited to announce this July we will offer three consecutive short-term trainings at our Advanced Manufacturing Prep Training Center in Kent, Washington.…

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Montana Mask

May 15, 2020

AJAC Apprentice Uses Training to Help Frontline Healthcare Workers

Nathan Hall, a Tool & Die Maker Apprentice at SEA-LECT Plastics in Everett, Washington was tasked to help combat the spread of COVID-19 by creating a custom injection molded face…

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AJAC Automation Technician

May 15, 2020

Youth Apprenticeship Webinars | AJAC

AJAC hosted two Youth Apprenticeship Webinars to better connect students, parents, and counselors with our next cohorts kicking off Summer 2020. During the webinars we discuss the following: program benefits,…

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Demetria Lynn Strickland, AJAC Executive Director

April 14, 2020

Letter from AJAC’s Executive Director on COVID-19

During these unprecedented times, AJAC understands the disruption this crisis has caused in many lives.  Our top priority is to ensure apprentices can continue to learn and instructors are able…

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February 26, 2020

Our Mission. Their Story.

Meet LaDante Weems—a formerly incarcerated youth and now graduate of the AJAC Juvenile Rehabilitation Manufacturing Academy program—tells his story on becoming a full-time employee at Tech Marine. We at AJAC…

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High school apprentices with AJAC

January 31, 2020

AJAC Provides Apprenticeship Preparation Program For High School Students

AJAC is launching a new Manufacturing Academy program in Federal Way through a partnership with the Federal Way Boys & Girls Club, Truman High School and a grant from Aspen…

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Heather Collins

December 12, 2019

Meet Heather, AJAC’s New Regional Program Manager

Meet Heather Collins, AJAC new Regional Program Manager for central Washington State. Heather comes to AJAC with a breadth of experience in program and business development including work in the…

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December 10, 2019

Selene’s Redemption Song

Selene Castro is no stranger to adversity. She has been fighting an uphill battle for years and while some would crumble under the pressure, it is has left her strong…

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November 5, 2019

New Grants & Partnerships | Fall 2019

Below are the new grants AJAC has been awarded over the last 3 months and the partnerships we have forged with local and national organizations. City of Seattle Office of…

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October 31, 2019

AJAC Wins Seattle Business Magazine Community Award

On October 24th, Seattle Business Magazine hosted an event honoring 15 visionary enterprises. AJAC (Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee) was one of the establishments honored and wound up taking home the…

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October 25, 2019

AJAC Joins Movement to Get More Women Into Apprenticeships

The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) recently partnered with the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership (WRTP) on a multi-state effort to encourage more women to enter into technical apprenticeship programs. WRTP…

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Apprentice success story

October 25, 2019

The Full Journey: From High School Apprentice to Adult Apprenticeship

  Christian Gray has never been a person who enjoys wasting his time. Christian has always felt mature. He thrived at homeschooling because his mom would focus more on the…

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October 8, 2019

MFG Day (Manufacturing Day) 2019 | AJAC & Machinists Inc.

Take a tour of Machinist Inc in Seattle, Washington as the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) and Hazen High School (Renton School District) celebrate National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) 2019.…

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September 23, 2019

Manufacturing Academy Students Develop Financial Stability Through New Wells Fargo Partnership

The Wells Fargo Foundation, established in the U.S. as a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization in 1980, is the company’s primary philanthropic funding arm. In 2018, the foundation donated nearly half…

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August 28, 2019

5 Questions With Eytan Raphaely

Please welcome our first intern since 2014, Eytan Raphaely! Eytan studied marketing communications at the University of Washington and recently graduated this past June. His role at AJAC will focus…

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August 22, 2019

The Boy Wonder

When you walk into AJAC’s Manufacturing Academy at South Seattle College-Georgetown Campus the first thing you’ll notice is the intimidating computer numerical controlled (CNC) and manual machines scattered around the…

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John Manning

July 16, 2019

5 Questions With John Manning

Please welcome the newest addition to the AJAC family, John Manning. John has been hired as our new Apprenticeship Navigator serving primarily King and Pierce Counties. John will help navigate…

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July 11, 2019

2019 Washington Youth Apprenticeship Signing Day

On June 28, 2019, nearly 100 newly registered Youth Apprentices from across Washington State celebrated the beginning of their apprenticeship at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington. Signing Day brought…

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AJAC 2019 Graduation Group Photo

June 18, 2019

AJAC Graduates 79 Apprentices from 48 Companies

On June 14, 2019, the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee graduated 79 registered apprentices representing 48 companies from across Washington State. The apprentices were joined by their family, friends, and colleagues…

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June 6, 2019

An Ordinary Teenager in an Extraordinary Apprenticeship

It’s six in the morning at Tool Gauge, a Tacoma, Washington manufacturer that creates complex, high-quality plastic and metal parts and assemblies for the global aerospace industry. In walks a…

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June 6, 2019

10 Partnerships & Grants AJAC is Participating In

AJAC is thrilled to announce 10 new partnerships and grant funding we have received to help support local partners and workforce development initiatives to advance apprenticeships here in Washington State.…

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Evan Thomas

April 29, 2019

Apprenticeship vs. College | KING 5 Interviews AJAC Machinist Apprentice

KING 5 News interviewed former AJAC machinist apprentice, Evan Thomas about why he chose to pursue an apprenticeship after high school, even when his friends were off to four-year colleges.…

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March 28, 2019

Introduction to Apprenticeships: Podcast

The South Central Workforce Council recently interviewed AJAC’s Director of Youth Apprenticeship, Bri Durham for their podcast “South Central Works.” In the podcast, Bri touches on how AJAC’s apprenticeship program…

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February 26, 2019

AJAC Jumpstarts Automotive Youth Apprenticeship Program

Over the last year, the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee has partnered with the Northwest Automotive Service Association and Independent Technicians Automotive Committee (ITAC) to council and guide their new General…

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February 18, 2019

AJAC Youth Apprenticeship: Breaking the Mold

New Video Provides a Cinematic Look at Registered Youth Apprenticeship in Washington State. SEATTLE, WA-Washington State Governor Jay Inslee calls it the “supply train for the supply chain”. Aerospace and…

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Governor Inslee at Cadence Aerospace PMW Operations

October 26, 2018

Governor Inslee Visits Cadence Aerospace & Youth Apprentices

During a private meeting at Cadence Aerospace, Governor Inslee and his staff met with representatives from the aerospace manufacturer, AJAC and current Youth Apprentices to discuss how the registered Youth…

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October 9, 2018

Manufacturing Day Is More Than Inspiring, It’s Family

Family based. Good pay. Good benefits. Those were the three takeaways from students who toured Buyken Metal Products last Thursday as part of a nationwide celebration of manufacturing. Manufacturing Day—occurring…

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July 3, 2018

2018 Youth Apprenticeship Signing Day Ceremony

On June 27, 2018, 67 newly registered Youth Apprentices signed their letter of agreement signifying a commitment to work in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries through the  Aerospace Joint…

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June 29, 2018

AJAC Celebrates 10th Anniversary with 72 Apprentice Graduates at The Museum of Flight

SEATTLE, WA – On Friday, June 22nd, Washington State became home to 72 new aerospace and advanced manufacturing journeymen and women apprentices. The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) recognized the…

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May 7, 2018

One Year In, AJAC Youth Apprentices Set To Graduate This June

Seth Hamilton was nearing his 17th birthday and knew he wasn’t going to college. His after-high-school plans did not involve a four-year institution. Rising student loans and lack of finances…

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February 1, 2018

Focus Shifts to Broadening Youth Apprenticeships During 2018 Governor’s Youth Apprenticeship Summit

Apprenticeships are not an alternative to higher education. It is higher education. This sentiment rang loud and true during the 2018 Governor’s Youth Apprenticeship Summit, which in its second year,…

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January 10, 2018

Governor Inslee Talks Youth Apprenticeship During ‘State of the State’ Address

Governor Inslee delivered his annual State of the State Address to the Washington State Senate and the State House of Representatives on January 9, 2018. During his speech, Governor Inslee…

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January 9, 2018

New State Audit Report Emphasizes High School CTE Courses with High-Growth Industries

A new report performance audit for Washington State emphasizes the state’s need to better align high-growth, high-demand occupations with career and technical education (CTE) courses currently offered in high school.…

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January 8, 2018

Machining Apprenticeship Provides Alternative Career Pathway

Trevor Mohon, a first-year machinist apprentice at RTC Aerospace – Fife Division, discusses his decision to pursue machining after high school. Trevor explains how this industry has challenged him, the…

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December 13, 2017

New Advanced Manufacturing Training Center Opens in Kent, Washington

Kent, Washington has a new home for advanced manufacturing. The Advanced Manufacturing Prep (AMP) Training Center was unveiled during a grand opening on December 6th in partnership with the City…

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December 12, 2017

Youth Apprenticeship: The Journey Begins

On October 16, 2017, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee met with the partners, community organizations and local-area employers to discuss how the first year of Youth Apprenticeship has gone. The…

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November 29, 2017

Gensco MFG Day 2017 (Video)

On October 6, 2017, students from the Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) toured Gensco, Inc. as part of Manufacturing Day. Manufacturing Day is a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire…

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October 12, 2017

Manufacturing Day 2017: Opening Doors for the Next Generation

What does it mean to work in manufacturing? For some, they see it as an industry booming with innovative ideas and state-of-the-art technology. For others, they see engineers and machinists…

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5 Questions with Derek Jones, Workforce Development Coordinator

August 29, 2017

Meet Derek, AJAC’s New Workforce Development Coordinator

AJAC’s new intake specialist will work directly with individuals needing guidance to carve their career in aerospace and advanced manufacturing through job-readiness preparation and pre-apprenticeship training. 1.What is the best part of…

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August 28, 2017

Manufacturing Academy Teaches Job-Ready Skills to Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration Students

AJAC’s Manufacturing Academy has partnered with Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration and Pioneer Human Services this past year to offer young adults an opportunity to learn job-ready skills through the 12-week, pre-apprenticeship…

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Erin Williams

August 7, 2017

Meet Our New Business Developer – Erin Williams!

Robin Williams may not come back from the dead, but AJAC’s newest hire has a knack for bringing new programs to life. Meet Erin Williams, our new Snohomish County business…

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July 10, 2017

AJAC Celebrates the Class of 2017

To become a journey-level worker signifies a changing of the guard – an ideology that mastery occurs on the job – not solely in the classroom. For AJAC’s 49 apprentice…

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AJAC youth apprenticeship webinar

July 7, 2017

Youth Apprenticeship Webinar & PowerPoint

Washington STEM, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) and AJAC gave a joint presentation on all-things Youth Apprenticeship during a live webinar on June 26, 2017. Josie Bryan…

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June 29, 2017

Manufacturing is STEM: Providing Career Connected Learning

In partnership with the Office of the Governor, the Workforce Board, WSU Extension, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Washington STEM traveled across the state to explore…

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Jim Johnson, Apprenticeship Preparation Manager

May 10, 2017

Meet Jim, AJAC’s Apprenticeship Preparation Manager

He is a jack of all trades but he has mastered the perfect pizza combo. Meet AJAC’s new Apprenticeship Preparation Manager, Jim Johnson!  What’s the best part of your job so…

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May 3, 2017

Yakima Ushers In First Youth Apprentices

Yakima’s West Valley High School was given the baton last week to launch their first AJAC Youth Apprenticeship program. High school juniors Trevor Mackey, Osborne Rogers, and Bradley Ethier individually…

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April 17, 2017

AJAC to Participate in Grays Harbor Career Pathway Day

On Monday, April 24, Grays Harbor Youth Works, Greater Grays Harbor, Inc., Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee, and Grays Harbor College worked together to provide North Beach and Lake Quinault High…

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April 10, 2017

Tacoma Celebrates First High School Apprentices During National Signing Day

All eyes were on Pacific Machine last week as the city of Tacoma ushered in a new era of career-connected learning. The decade-old mindset of ‘every student should attend a…

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March 13, 2017

AJAC’s Youth Apprenticeship Featured on City of Tacoma’s ‘CityLine’ TV Show

AJAC’s Youth Apprenticeship program continues to garner attention across our region as the first group of students prepare to begin their apprenticeship in high school. Seth Hamilton, one of our…

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February 16, 2017

PNAA Selects AJAC for “Inspire Award”

AJAC was honored to receive PNAA’s “Inspire” award during the annual Aerospace Conference in Lynnwood, Washington. AJAC’s Executive Director, Lynn Strickland accepted the award during the Aerospace Excellence Awards Banquet.…

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February 15, 2017

AJAC Wins ‘Small Business of the Year’ Award

AJAC’s Exective Director, Lynn Strickland alongside Chamber CEO Andrea Reay On Friday, February 10th, AJAC was selected for the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce “Small Business of the Year” Award during…

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January 31, 2017

5 Questions with Danica Hendrickson – Program Manager of Instruction

c What will your new role at AJAC include? As Program Manager of Instruction, I will work with subject matter experts, curriculum developers, and instructors to review existing and develop…

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January 26, 2017

KBTC-TV to Feature AJAC and Youth Apprenticeship

From left to right: Jody Robbins (L&I), Ron Langrel (Bates Technical College), Lynn Strickland (AJAC), John Altman (Governor’s Office) and Tom Layson (KBTC) The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) was…

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January 23, 2017

Washington State Approves Governor Inslee’s Youth Apprenticeship Program

From left to right: John Page from Tacoma Public School, Kristi Grassman, AJAC, Lynn Strickland, AJAC, Jesse Cote from IAM 751 and Sandra Husbands, L&I at the Washington Apprenticeship Training Council…

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Governor's Youth Apprenticeship Washington Summit

November 4, 2016

Washington State to Launch First-Ever Youth Apprenticeship Program For High-Demand Industries

(From left to right) Governor Jay Inslee, Lynn Strickland and Jesse Milbrath Over the last two years, the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, the…

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October 7, 2016

Manufacturing Day Opens Doors for The Next Generation

The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee partnered with Training Agent Buyken Metal Products for the third annual Manufacturing Day in Kent, Washington. Over 40 students from Kentridge High School and Kent…

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September 16, 2016

Manufacturing Needs Women – So Let’s Train Them

  The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee, in partnership with the YWCA and South Seattle College hosted the first-ever Women in Manufacturing Symposium at South Seattle College – Georgetown Campus, highlighting…

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September 2, 2016

AJAC’s 2016 Summer Newsletter

AJAC’s 2016 Summer Newsletter is fresh off the printing press! Grab your copy today and check out what our apprentices, pre-apprentices, and community partners have been up to the last…

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August 29, 2016

AJAC’s ‘Manufacturing Academy’ Goes Full-Throttle With ‘Earn While You Learn’ Model

Internships can be a grueling yet necessary step most of us endure before we are accepted in the working world. In manufacturing, internships are far-and-few between – but one program…

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August 29, 2016

Disadvantaged Youth Learn Aerospace While in High School (Video)

In 2012, the median age in manufacturing was nearly 45 years old, a number that is expected to rise continually over the next decade. An influx of young talent into…

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August 29, 2016

Women in Manufacturing Symposium

Join us for this forum and networking event introducing women to career and training opportunities in the exciting and dynamic field of advanced manufacturing. Hear from a panel of women…

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August 29, 2016

Apprenticeships Can Change Lives, AJAC Grad Says

AJAC Machinist Graduate, Irwin Downes shaking hands with IAM 751 Organizer, Jesse Cote TUKWILA — Apprenticeships have the power to change lives. That’s the message graduates of the Aerospace Joint…

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Bri Durham

August 29, 2016

Meet AJAC’s New On-the-Job Training Advisor, Bri Durham!

What is your proudest career moment? I worked on 1.5 million dollar grant that was awarded by OJJDP to Pioneer Human Services and JJRA to run a pilot AJAC Manufacturing…

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August 29, 2016

Senator Patty Murray Visits Manufacturing Academy

  Senator Patty Murray stopped by the Seattle Manufacturing Academy program on August 9th to discuss how the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) has helped undeserved and disadvantaged individuals to…

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August 29, 2016

Goodwill Aerospace Students Gain Altitude With Early Start to Getting a Job

  TULALIP — When the Seattle Goodwill started its Youth Aerospace Program five years ago, it was aiming to take advantage of the high density of aerospace manufacturing expertise in…

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August 29, 2016

Inspiration in Machinist’s Training at Senior Aerospace AMT

[vimeo src=167495188] The Victory Series | Episode 12 Featuring Matt Washburn of Senior Aerospace AMT from 4th Avenue Media on Vimeo. How a business leader is keeping manufacturing and machining…

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August 29, 2016

Tommy – Boeing Tech, Pioneer Industries

Tommy grew up in a big family with three brothers and two sisters in Grays Harbor on Washington State’s coast. He was involved in school and sports as a young…

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August 29, 2016

Aeroplastics Featured on KING 5 News

  AJAC’s Training Agent Aeroplastics was recently interviewed by Seattle’s KING-TV to highlight their efforts in creating parts for industries outside of aerospace. Watch the clip above and read more…

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August 25, 2016

AJAC Molds New Plastic Process Technician Apprenticeship Program

In the United States, the plastics industry is the third-largest manufacturing industry. The outlook is strong nationally, from injection molding companies to high-demand 3D printing, plastics companies are expecting a…

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August 23, 2016

OMAX Corporation Emphasizes Professional Development in Manufacturing Academy Tour

From apprenticeships to formal coursework and academic degrees, professional development is the driving force behind those who want to continually grow their career. However, finding a company that instills an…

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