In addition to our Industrial Manufacturing Technician and Industrial Maintenance Technician programs, AJAC also offers a Logistics Specialist, Operations Specialist, Industrial Machine Operator, and Plastic Injection Molding apprenticeship program for Yakima employers.
Yakima Apprenticeships
Aerospace | Food Processing | Equipment Manufacturing | Fabrication | Plastics
Where Potential Meets Opportunity
Helping Manufacturers Develop a Skilled Workforce
AJAC is Washington State’s largest non-profit training organization developed in 2008 to help manufacturing companies skill-up their workforce through registered apprenticeships.
Since 2011, AJAC has worked closely with Yakima companies to develop adult and youth apprenticeship programs tailored to the needs of their workforce.
As a state-funded organization, AJAC provides structured apprenticeships (a combination of on-the-job training and college-level classes) at no-cost to employers looking to find new talent, grow the skills of their employees, and retain the individuals who help create the products developed in the Yakima Valley.
I am very proud of what I completed in this course. I haven’t been in a school setting for a long time, so when starting AJAC I was a bit hesitant I wouldn’t be up with the others. Once going and starting it, I started to feel like I was finally achieving something again. I also would like to give a shoutout to the first instructor we had. He was very inspiring to me because of his background and being open about anything we would need help with. He showed me that no matter what part of life your in or what you’ve been through, we can always turn for better and become something special.
Industrial Manufacturing Technician
Thermoforming Systems
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 Yakima Since 2011
133
Apprentices
242,637
OJT Hours Logged
18,473
Classroom Hours Attended
Programs Tailored to Yakima's Manufacturers
Industrial Manufacturing Technician
Industrial Manufacturing Technician is an 18-month, short-term apprenticeship designed for employers to skill-up their entry-level workers on the shop floor.
On-the-Job Competencies:
- Setting-Up and Operating Production Equipment
- Quality Assurance, Inspection, and Measurement
- Interpret Technical Information
- Routine Machine Maintenance
- Inventory Materials
Theory-Based Learning:
Industrial Manufacturing Technician 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:
- Safety
- Industrial Manufacturing Basics
- Production Processes
- Machine Maintenance
- Shop Math
- and Communications
Industrial Maintenance Technician
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 Yakima Training Programs
Partnership Benefits
Employer Benefits
- 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.
Financial Aid for Yakima Apprentices
$
121,154
+
Distributed for Yakima Apprentices
Starting in 2021, AJAC partnered with the Washington College Grant for Apprentices to offer financial aid for individuals facing obstacles during their time in our program.
Financial Aid may be available to assist active apprentices with the costs associated with their apprenticeship program including:
- Tuition
- Supplies
- Food & Housing
- Transportation to and from their college-level classes.
Companies We're Proud to Partner With
We're Ready to Help
Heather began working at AJAC in 2020 as a Regional Program Manager—focusing her efforts on educating local employers on the advantages of apprenticeship programs and ensuring companies and their employees are well-prepared for success.
If you’re interested in learning more about programs available in Yakima please connect with Heather and she can guide your company through the entire process from identifying apprentices and OJT consultation to financial aid opportunities and our theory-based learning.