*This is a Washington State average for this occupation. Wage rates vary by employer, industry, experience and location. Source: Washington State Employment Security Department 2021 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship
4-YEAR | 8,000 HOURS
What is an Industrial Maintenance Technician?
AJAC’s Industrial Maintenance Technician Apprentices work in a variety of industries in Washington State, including food processing, aerospace, maritime manufacturing, biomedical manufacturing, defense, space, and packaging and assembly.
Industrial Maintenance Technicians install, repair and maintain commercial or industrial machinery in buildings, a plant, or a manufacturing setting. These technicians ensure all machines function properly through troubleshooting and preventive maintenance service.
Industrial Maintenance Technicians:
- Read manuals to understand equipment and controls
- Disassemble machinery and equipment when it needs maintenance or repair
- Perform tests and operate machinery to ensure it functions properly
- Adjust and calibrate equipment and machinery to optimal specifications
What are the Benefits of Becoming an Industrial Maintenance Technician
Industrial Maintenance Technician is an advanced apprenticeship occupation that reinforces machining and mechanical skills along with installation, maintenance, and repair of machinery.
Upon completion of an Industrial Maintenance Technician apprenticeship, you will receive a nationally-recognized journey-level credential and can move onto more advanced occupations such as Supervisor, Shift Lead, Maintenance Manager or Operations Manager.
As an Industrial Maintenance Technician, you will enjoy a long-term career with a good salary, job advancement opportunities, and the chance to work with your hands and cutting-edge technology.
Step to Becoming an Apprentice
Identify an employer AJAC partners with and apply for an open position.
Talk with your supervisor to receive company approval for participation.
AJAC will visit your employer to sign our Apprenticeship Agreement.
Once you are registered, AJAC will enroll you in our apprenticeship classes.
Each month, submit your on-the-job training hours through our Apprentice Tracking System.
Upon completion, you will receive AJAC's certificate of completion and a journey-level card in your respective occupation.
6 Steps to Becoming an Apprentice
1
Get Hired by a Participating Employer AJAC Partners With
2
Receive Participation Approval from Your Employer
3
Sign an Apprenticeship Agreement with AJAC
4
Enroll in AJAC’s Apprenticeship Classes Each Quarter
5
Log and Submit Your OJT Hours Monthly
6
Receive a Nationally-Recognized Journey-Level Certification from L&I
How Much Can I Earn?
$
26.14
*
Where Will I Work?
AJAC has partnered with 300+ advanced manufacturers to provide supervised, structured, paid on-the-job training.
AJAC apprentices can only work for companies that agree to hire them and place them into the program.
Each company has their own methodology for who they select as an apprentice.
Where Are Classes Held?
Classes are held one night a week, typically on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
AJAC’s apprenticeships classes are structured for both online learning or in-person learning. Depending on the specific class you are taking, you may be required to complete it online or in-person.
In-person classes are held either a local community/technical college, high school, or skills center.
Apprenticeship Classes
Industrial Maintenance Technician apprentices take 12 college-level classes. Each class consists of 50 hours of lecture and/or practical application. Upon completion of each class, apprentices will receive 5 college credits.
As a registered apprentice, you automatically receive 50% reduced tuition. Over half of AJAC’s partnering employers elect to pay for their apprentice’s tuition, making the entire apprenticeship free-of-cost.
Currently, each class costs $300 out-of-pocket.
Technical Drawings
Learn to read and interpret engineering drawings and schematics, as well as practice basic drafting. Drawings studied in this class will come both from the text and from industry, and will include machining, fabrication, assemblies, and fluid power systems (only for Automation/Maintenance program).
Lifting & Rigging
The apprentices will learn about the practical application and safe operation of lifting equipment commonly used in industrial maintenance such as forklifts, scissor lifts, and cranes.
Precision Machining 1
Fundamental manual machining skills and knowledge to include topics such as job plans, drawings, tolerances, engineering specifications and use of manual tools.
Maintenance Welding
Explore theory and practice for cutting processes such as oxyfuel cutting, plasma cutting, and ironworker operation. Apprentices will practice welding techniques using the following processes: GMAW (MIG welding), SMAW (stick welding), and OAW.
Electrical Systems
In this course, apprentices will learn about industrial electrical theory, components, and equipment necessary to troubleshoot electrical problems. Apprentices will begin by learning to interpret electrical symbols, diagrams, and terminology.
Machine Automation Theory
This course explores advancing technologies in manufacturing relevant to industrial maintenance, including computer numerical control (CNC) technology, automation, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
Math for Industrial Maintenance
Apprentices will develop a working knowledge and practical application of mathematics as it relates to industrial maintenance. All basic math concepts will be covered, including adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions, ratio, proportion and percentages.
Maintenance Machining
The apprentices will explore intermediate-level theory, application, and hands-on experience with precision machining practices for industrial maintenance.
Mechanical Systems
Learn to maintain all of the elements of a mechanical system. Apprentices will begin by exploring mechanical fundamentals such energy, mechanical forces, and simple machines. Apprentices will learn to troubleshoot, assemble, and maintain couplings, gears, pulleys, chains, sprockets, and brakes.
Fluid Power Systems
Apprentices will explore the fundamentals of fluid power systems, including structures and components, operation, safety, as well as interpreting related standards, symbols, and diagrams. Hydraulic fluid types, properties, handling, and maintenance topics will be covered.
Materials, Processes and References
Comprehensive understanding of outside processes and the properties of materials that are governed by industry standards.
Mechatronics Capstone Project
In this course, apprentices will design, build, and implement a mechatronics project that incorporates skills that have been studied and practiced throughout the industrial maintenance technician apprenticeship.
On-the-Job Training Competencies
The table below is a schedule of tasks and hours designed as a guide. The 8,000 hours will be completed over the course of the apprenticeship. The apprentice shall be instructed and trained in all operations and methods customarily used on the various machines. Each company will adhere to the schedule as closely as facilities will permit in order to provide the apprentice with well-rounded experience and practice on all relevant equipment and processes in the shop.
| OJT Competency | Approx. OJT Hours |
|---|---|
| Machine Operation | 2,000 |
| Installation of Machinery & Equipment | 1,000 |
| Maintenance of Machinery & Equipment | 2,500 |
| Repair of Machinery & Equipment | 2,500 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 8,000 |
Launch Your Career Today!
Submit your information using the link below. After we receive your information, an AJAC representative will contact you for next steps. Please note, this is not an official application to become an apprentice. After a partnering employers agrees to enroll you in the program, you will officially apply and enroll at that time.