In November, the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) created a series of videos highlighting successful women in the aerospace and manufacturing trades. The purpose of these videos is to inspire girls and women of all ages who enjoy working with their hands and creating things, but may not be aware of these occupations, or don't know how to get started. Listen to these women's stories and find out how they got into the trades and how through hard work and dedication, they now have rewarding careers as a Machinist, Aircraft Mechanic, or Precision Metal Fabricator.

I am a Machinist 

I am an Aircraft Mechanic   

I am a Precision Metal Fabricator  

The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) started a new Machining apprenticeship program this winter at Yakima Valley Community College (YVCC), in Yakima, WA.  

This is AJAC's first apprenticeship program in Yakima starting out with 5 apprentices from one of AJAC's participating Training Agents, GE Aviation. Other program locations include: Spokane, Franklin, Pierce, King and Snohomish counties. In addition to Machining, AJAC has designed and implemented apprenticeship programs in other locations for precision metal fabrication and aircraft mechanics airframe and is currently developing programs for additional aerospace and advanced manufacturing occupations.

To start an an AJAC Apprenticeship Program at your company and get your workforce trained now, contact Joe Hauth, AJAC Program Developer, at 206-465-2342 or jhauth@ajactraining.org.

"AJAC is excited to introduce our machining program to Yakima County. The expansion of our programs in new counties gives aerospace and manufacturing employers throughout all of Washington State the chance to pass along knowledge and skill of their master tradespeople, and get their employees trained with the skills needed to maintain a highly-skilled workforce. Together with Yakima Valley Community College and our employers, we can create the next generation of tradespeople," said Laura Hopkins, Executive Director of AJAC.

AJAC's machining program at YVCC is taught to aircraft-oriented precision levels and gives apprentices the opportunity to learn and enhance their knowledge of a variety of skills. These skills include: Math; CNC Technology; CAD/CAM; Inspection; Metallurgy and Advanced Materials; Cutting Tools; Conventional and Advanced Machining; and Print Reading. Apprentices are also introduced to other cutting-edge technologies, such as Waterjet and Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). Through this partnership with YVCC, the college offers AJAC use of their brand new computer lab, as well as their machine shop where apprentices have access to machines and equipment such as lathes, milling machines, a drill press and a horizontal bandsaw. In addition to aerospace, AJAC offers training for machining and its other occupations across a number of industries, including: advanced manufacturing, medical manufacturing, marine, automotive and agriculture.

Angel Reyna, Director for Workforce Education at Yakima Valley Community College (YVCC) said, "Yakima Valley Community College is excited to offer more opportunities to our local community in an effort to strengthen our workforce through our partnership with AJAC, GE Aviation and other potential manufacturing companies."

AJAC enables companies to pass along their knowledge and trade secrets to create their next generation of experts through programs developed with industry input and emerging practices from their Washington State counterparts. These employers have contributed time, expertise and knowledge to curriculum development, mentor programs, advisory committees and equipment and technology donations.  

In October, the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) produced a series of videos to demonstrate to job seekers and potential apprentices what a typical day would be like working as a machinist, aircraft mechanic, composite technician and precision metal fabricator including what they build and repair, and how they do it. Listen to expert machinists, mechanics and technicians describe the different responsibilities of their occupation and the skills needed to be successful in the aerospace and manufacturing industries.

What is a Machinist? 

 What is a Composite Technician?  

What is a Precision Metal Fabricator?

What is an Aircraft Mechanic?

THE AIM-MTU IS NOW OPEN FOR CLASSES!

 

Advanced Inspection and Manufacturing Mobile Training Unit (AIM-MTU)

Sign up your employees now to get trained in Advanced Inspection and Manufacturing without stopping production on your shop floor with AJAC's Advanced Inspection and Manufacturing Mobile Training Unit (AIM-MTU). The AIM-MTU is a 53-foot classroom on wheels that offers state-of-the-art equipment combining training in design, production and inspection. The AIM-MTU  can travel anywhere in Washington State to your company, and train your employees on your schedule.   

 

Courses available include:

• Modularized Math for Manufacturing 1, 2, and 3
• Engineering Drawings  
• ROMER Arm Portable Coordinate Measuring Machine (PCMM)
• Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)
• Mentor Training 
• QA: Lean/Six Sigma 

More courses available soon!   

             AIM-MTU Sponsorship

           Opportunities Available!

Sponsorship packages include a number of ways for your organization to gain exposure, such as:

• Logo placement on:
• The 53' AIM-MTU trailer
• AIM-MTU marketing materials and web site
• Invitation to events
• Cross marketing opportunities 
• Plus more!

Experienced PRECISION METAL FABRICATORS to teach Precision Metal Fabrication Apprenticeship classes   

Teaching opportunities are available in the following counties and areas:

• Snohomish County (Arlington)
• King County (Auburn)  

Benefits include:

• Competitive pay
• Part-time/evening hours
• Instructor training  
• Opportunity to become an even more valuable resource to your industry

If you are interested in passing along your knowledge to the next generation workforce while earning extra income, check out AJAC's Employment Opportunities page.