In addition to our Operations Specialist and Industrial Maintenance Technician programs, AJAC also offers programs in Machining, CNC Programming, and Industrial Manufacturing Technician for Spokane employers.
Spokane Apprenticeships
Enhance Your Workforce with AJAC's Spokane Apprenticeship Programs
Partnership Benefits
Employer Benefits
- No-cost to partner with AJAC and offer apprenticeship to your employees
- AJAC handles majority of the paperwork to comply with state regulations
- Programs available to all employers regardless of company size, sub-sector, or union affiliation.
- Training customized to your needs, on your equipment, using your work processes.
- College-accredited classes for your apprentices.
- Hiring pipelines to fill entry-level positions including high school students and veterans.
- Grant funding available to employers and apprentices.
- Subject Matter Expert consultations.
6 Reasons Why Apprenticeship Works
In today’s competitive job market, employers are increasingly recognizing the value of investing in apprenticeship programs. These programs offer a unique opportunity to develop a highly skilled and loyal workforce tailored to meet specific industry needs.
- Skilled Workforce Development: Apprenticeships help employers develop a highly skilled workforce tailored to their specific needs and industry standards.
- Increased Productivity: Apprenticeships can lead to increased productivity as apprentices are trained to perform tasks efficiently and effectively under the guidance of experienced mentors.
- Employee Retention: Apprenticeships often lead to higher employee retention rates as apprentices are more likely to stay with a company that has invested in their training and development.
- Reduced Hiring Costs: By training apprentices internally, employers can reduce the costs associated with recruiting and hiring experienced workers from outside the company.
- Enhanced Innovation: Apprentices bring fresh perspectives and new ideas, which can foster innovation and improvements within the company.
- Improved Employee Morale: Investing in employee development through apprenticeships can boost overall employee morale and job satisfaction, leading to a more motivated and engaged workforce.
Serving Spokane Since 2011
About Us
AJAC, Washington State’s largest non-profit training organization, offers apprenticeship programs designed to help Spokane’s manufacturing companies develop a highly skilled workforce.
Our programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of local employers, combining on-the-job training with college-level classes at no cost to employers.
Since 2010, AJAC has worked closely with Spokane companies to develop adult and youth apprenticeship programs tailored to the needs of their workforce.
For many of our employees, the apprenticeship program is less daunting than enrolling in a college program. From a return on investment standpoint, the class offerings directly correlate to our supervisors daily responsibilities and implementing a cohort model helps foster a better culture of teamwork amongst our supervisors. Perhaps the best endorsement of the program we can provide is the commitment made by AJAC’s employees to help all students succeed. No matter the issues apprentices are having, all they have to do is ask for help and they receive it. Not all educational programs can claim that.
Human Resources Manager
HDT Global
How Apprenticeship Works
AJAC works as your partner in moving the following steps to adoption. From consulting on OJT design, mentorship training, to hiring qualified adults and local youth—AJAC staff will guide you through this process at no-cost to you.
Get buy-in from leadership and supervisors to launch an AJAC apprenticeship at your company.
Sign a Training Agent agreement and become an official apprenticeship training provider.
Identify an apprenticeship coordinator to be the main point-of-contact for all apprenticeship-related activities
With AJAC's guidance, develop internal policies to recruit, train, and support your apprentices.
Identify the journey-level workers who will train the apprentices on-the-job.
Recruit your employees who want to advance their careers and skill up through apprenticeship.
Our Impact in Spokane Since 2011
87
Apprentices
286,988
OJT Hours Logged
23
Employer Members
Adult Programs Tailored to Spokane's Manufacturers
Operations Specialist
The Operations Specialist program is an 18-month, short-term apprenticeship aimed at developing essential manufacturing leadership skills for the production floor.
On-the-Job Competencies:
- Monitor and Build Daily Production Goals
- Conduct Continuous Improvement Meetings and Projects
- Direct and Aid Line Production Staff in Daily Tasks
- Perform Operational Training on Production Equipment
- Support Internal/External QA Programs
Theory-Based Learning:
Operations Specialist apprentices receive 6 college-level classes designed to enhance their on-the-job training while delivering theory-based learning from industry professionals. Apprentices will learn:
- Planning and Management Operations
- Advanced Communications
- LEAN and 6 Sigma Foundations
- Manufacturing Leadership Development
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP Foundations)
- Production and Project Management
Maintenance
Industrial Maintenance Technician is a robust, 4-year apprenticeship designed for employers to fast-track their maintenance technicians and mechanics while out in the field or inside their facility.
On-the-Job Competencies:
- Machine Operations
- Installation, Repair, and Maintenance of Machinery and Equipment
Theory-Based Learning:
Industrial Maintenance Technician apprentices receive 12 college-level classes designed to enhance their on-the-job training while delivering theory-based learning from industry professionals. Apprentices will learn:
- Engineering Drawings
- Lifting & Rigging
- Precision and Maintenance Machining
- Machine Automation Theory
- Materials, Processes and References
- Maintenance Welding
- Math for Industrial Maintenance
- Electrical, Mechanical, Hydraulic, and Pneumatic System
Additional Adult Training Programs in Spokane
Apprenticeships for Spokane High School Students
What is a Youth Apprenticeship?
Youth Apprenticeship programs designed for high school juniors and seniors to develop career-ready skills in the advanced manufacturing industries.
These apprenticeship programs combine paid on-the-job training at an AJAC employer and college-level classroom instruction which can lead to a high school diploma and a journey-level card.
AJAC partners with Spokane Valley Tech to enroll their machining students into Youth Apprenticeship.
What We Offer
Employers looking to diversify their pipeline of talent can utilize AJAC’s Youth Apprenticeship program at no-cost. AJAC works with the students, school district, and parents to ensure each apprentice can succeed at a local company.
Spokane Youth Apprentices are enrolled in AJAC’s Production Technician program which includes 2,000 hours of on-the-job training coupled with three college-level classes.
Apprentices work part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer.
Apprentice Program Prepares Teens in Spokane Valley
Spokane Manufacturers Utilizing Apprenticeships
We're Ready to Help
Dennis joined AJAC in 2022 as a Regional Program Manager. His role involves educating local employers about the benefits of apprenticeship and ensuring that both companies and their employees are set up for success. To learn more about partnering with AJAC, please contact Dennis below.