AJAC Creates Videos Highlighting Successful Women in the Trades
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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
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AJAC Launches New Machining Program in Yakima County at Yakima Valley Community College
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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.
To start an AJAC apprenticeship program at your company or for more information about the apprenticeship program in Yakima, contact Kevin Quinn, AJAC Program Developer, at 509-533-8299 or kquinn@ajactraining.org
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Sign Up Your Employees for Upcoming Spring Classes!
The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) Spring Quarter starts in April with open classes in the Aircraft Oriented Machining and Aircraft Mechanics programs.
AJAC apprenticeship programs are offered in the following locations:
- Franklin County
- Columbia Basin College - Machining
- King County
- Renton Technical College - Machining and Tool & Die Maker
- South Seattle Community College - Aircraft Mechanics
- Pierce County
- Bates Technical College - Machining and Tool & Die Maker
- Spokane County
- Spokane Community College - Machining
- Snohomish County
- Everett Community College - Machining
- Yakima County
- Yakima Valley Community College - Machining
Start an AJAC apprenticeship at your company by contacting Joe Hauth at 206-465-2342 or jhauth@ajactraining.org.
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Videos: What it's Like to Work in the Aerospace and Manufacturing Trades
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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? |
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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!
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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!
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To find out how you can become an AIM-MTU sponsor and get increased exposure for your company check out our sponsorship packages or contact Megan Fiess at 206-388-9336 or AIM-MTU@ajactraining.org
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AJAC Outreaches to Students and Job Seekers about the Value of Apprenticeship
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AJAC recently hit the road and attended numerous college and career fairs in Snohomish, King and Pierce Counties. At these events, AJAC hosted informational booths and spoke with students and job seekers about apprenticeship and the exciting career opportunities available in aerospace and manufacturing industries. Career fairs AJAC attended include:
- Pierce County Career Day - Puyallup
- United Indians of All Tribes Foundation Career Fair - Seattle
- Renton School District Apprenticeship and Trades Fair - Renton
- Rainier Beach Trades Fair - Seattle
- Beyond High School Night for the Kent School District - Kent
- Beyond High School Night for the Auburn School District - Auburn
- Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Education, Career, and Resource Fair - Seattle
- Future of Flight Career Fair - Mukilteo
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Need Assistance Completing Your Airman Certificate and/or Rating (8610-2) Application? AJAC Can Help!
If you have 18+ months of documented practical experience maintaining aircraft, AJAC can advise you through the entire process of completing your Airman Certificate and/or Rating (8610-2) application, requesting permission from the FAA to test for:
Airframe certificate, or
Powerplant certificate, or
Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate
AJAC can assist you by:
Reviewing your documented practical experience required by 14 CRF Part 65.77
Creating an 8610-2 application package including all of your documented experience and on-the-job training (OJT) that you can take to the FAA for approval
Providing a recommendation letter from AJAC to the FAA in support of your Airman Certificate (8610-2) and/or Rating (8610-2) application
And more!
Get FAA A&P test and application support from AJAC now!
*AJAC cannot and does not guarantee FAA approval. The FAA is the only authority who can determine eligibility.
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AJAC is Looking for Precision Metal Fabrication Instructors!
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The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) is currently recruiting:
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.
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AJAC Events Calendar
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March 7, 2013 King County Aerospace and Manufacturing Employer Meeting
For More Information Contact AJAC
March 7-8, 2013 Women Fly! Event
Museum of Flight - Seattle, WA More info
March 12, 2013 Arlington High School Class Presentations
Arlington High School - Arlington, WA
March 14-16
Washington Industrial Technology Education Association Event
Wenatchee Convention Center - Wenatchee, WA
March 22, 2013 Arlington High School Open House for Aerospace and Manufacturing Employers
For More Information Contact AJAC
March 27, 2013 Greater Auburn Area Career Conference
Emerald Downs - Auburn, WA
March 29, 2013
Washington Technology Student Association Conference Bellevue Hilton - Bellevue, WA
April 10-14, 2013
IAM&AW Aerospace Conference
Westin Hotel- Seattle, WA
April 11, 2013
Energizing Opportunities in Aerospace Career & Education Fair
Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center - Renton, WA
More Information
April 16, 2013
Marysville District Wide College/Career Fair - Opportunity Expo 2013
Tulalip Resort Orca Ball Room - Marysville, WA
May 9, 2013
Career Conference & Aerospace Fair
Clover Park Technical College - Lakewood, WA
May 10, 2013 Washington Women in the Trades Career Fair Fisher Pavilion - Seattle, WA
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What AJAC Apprentices Are Saying:
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"...AJAC's program helped me turn my job into a career..." Brian Helmbrecht - Machining Center Technician -Orion
"...Because of this program, I now have a career, not just a job. I'm learning skills I can use throughout my life that will help me stay competitive in my industry and make me an asset to my company..." Miley Johnson - Sheet Metal Technician -Orion
"...My initiative to participate in the program earned me an immediate promotion to part-time CNC programmer and draftsman, allowing me to expand my current knowledge in machining...My career has become more of a hobby to me than work." Anthony Green - Machinist/Programming Apprentice Exact Aerospace
"The skills I've gained in the AJAC program through manufacturing basics and lean manufacturing has helped me improve my efficiency and problem solving abilities during production..." Dan Porter - Machinist Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
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What AJAC Employers Are Saying:
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"...The value this program will bring us is long-term retention of well qualified, trained and certified employees..." Jeff Tomson - Engineer/Marketing Machinist, Inc.
"...This program can take someone with basic skills, and turn him or her into an invaluable employee and a vital asset to our company. As we expand and grow as a company, this program should also help us attract better qualified entry level candidates." Kerry Prewett - President TK Machine Co.
"Our Production Manager stated that this group of graduates has raised the bar. The quality of these three graduating machinists is superior to what we've experienced in the past." Janie Pierce, Director of Human Resource- Precision Machine Works, Inc.
"The value I believe the AJAC apprenticeship program provides to Damar AeroSystems is the ability to upgrade the skills of our workforce and therefore create better educated and trained employees..."
Sharon Black - Human Resources Manager -Damar AeroSystems
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Quick Links
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The AJAC Mission: |  |
AJAC's Mission is to provide exceptional and responsive apprenticeships, innovative supporting signature training programs with cutting edge curriculum and highly effective trades trainers.
AJAC offers a method for transferring the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills between generations of the workforce, thus promoting the value of contributing to the next generation.
AJAC brings about a significant and lasting impact on the prosperity of Washington State, empowering its diverse population of residents to thrive as craftspeople and attain secure family wage jobs through:
- Dynamic career and educational pathways
- Corresponding wrap around support services
- Smooth pipelines connecting employers with the next generation of workers and where preschool and K-12 students and their influencers see aerospace opportunities as viable career path options
- Advocating for recognition and financial support of training in aerospace and manufacturing
- Expanding the diversity of people entering the trades
- Exploring opportunities for growth and collaborating with partners to form comprehensive solutions
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