Youth Apprenticeship Enrollment
Steps to Enroll in Youth Apprenticeship
Confirm Your School’s Partnership
First, make sure the high school or skills center you’re enrolled in partners with AJAC. If you’re not sure, talk to your career counselor or contact AJAC to find out.
Apply Online
Submit an online application to start the enrollment process. This helps AJAC and your school determine your eligibility and next steps.
Attend the Youth Apprenticeship Bootcamp
Before starting your apprenticeship, you’ll take part in AJAC’s Youth Apprenticeship Bootcamp—a virtual orientation that prepares you for success in the classroom and on the job.
Start College-Level Classes
Once enrolled, you’ll begin AJAC’s college-level classes to learn the theory and skills behind your chosen occupation. These classes count for college credit and are taught by high school manufacturing instructors or industry professionals. This lets the students know that they will be taught by their current high school teacher.
Connect with Local Employers
You’ll have the chance to tour local manufacturing companies and interview with hiring employers who are ready to bring youth apprentices onto their teams for on-the-job training.
Earn Your Journey-Level Certificate
After completing your required on-the-job training hours and passing your three AJAC classes, you’ll earn a Journey-Level Certificate from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
Ready to Get Started?
FAQs for Youth Apprenticeship
AJAC has partnered with 300+ advanced manufacturers to provide supervised and structured on-the-job training.
Youth Apprentices can only work for companies that agree to hire them.
Youth Apprentices will work 10-20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during the summer. Pay will vary by employer and number of hours worked.
Classes will be held one day a week, either at a partnering high school, skill center, technical college or machine shop. Depending on the school district, Youth Apprentices will take their classes either during the school day or after school. During this time, apprentices will learn the theory behind the art of advanced manufacturing from your current high school instructor or one of industry’s top instructors.
Yes! STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) principles are integrated throughout the advanced manufacturing industry as well as AJAC’s college-level classes. Youth Apprentices will learn about metallurgy, advanced technology used in industry, engineering drawings and blueprints, and math for manufacturing.
AJAC has designed two different Youth Apprenticeship programs–Production Technician and Automation Technician. AJAC and your school/skills center predetermine which occupation you will participate in.
Some of the basic requirements include:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have transportation to and from your employer
- Completed and passed algebra level 1
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher
- A flexible schedule that allows you to work part-time the school year and full-time during the summer
- Enrolled in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) class such as aerospace manufacturing, machining, robotics, wood shop, Core Plus Aerospace, automotive, or construction.
