An Operations Specialist monitors and optimizes workflow across departments in a manufacturing setting. They ensure production targets are met, coordinate teams, manage software systems like ERP, and solve complex issues that keep a facility running smoothly.
Operations Specialist Apprenticeship
18-MONTHS | 3,000 HOURS
What Does an Operations Specialist Do?
Program Overview
Train for a Career as an Operations Specialist
Operations Specialists play a pivotal role on the shop floor and beyond — connecting teams, systems, and data to ensure manufacturing delivers results.
As an apprentice, you’ll gain leadership, process-improvement and real-world experience in production operations and workflow optimization.
| Program Length | 18-Months |
| On-the-Job Hours | 3,000 |
| College Classes | 6 |
| College Credits | 30 |
Hands-On Training That Builds Real Skills
You’ll build the skills to manage operations effectively:
- Use ERP and other manufacturing systems to monitor production and materials.
- Investigate and resolve operational issues, ensuring quality standards are met.
- Apply Lean and Six Sigma tools to reduce waste and improve throughput.
- Lead teams, communicate across functions, and manage staff support on the production floor.
By the end of the program, you’ll be able to oversee critical production functions, support cross-departmental teams, and drive operational performance.
Operations Specialist Apprenticeship
Why Apprenticeship Makes Sense
Hands-On Training with Real Employers
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.
Earn a Paycheck While You Learn
$
31.78
*
/hour
This apprenticeship prepares you for a leadership role in advanced manufacturing, giving you foundational management, technical, and operational skills.
Program Highlights:
- Earn while you learn — structured paid on-the-job training with a manufacturing employer
- 50% reduced tuition (many employers cover full cost)
- College credits earned through related-instruction coursework
- Pathways into roles like Line Supervisor, Shift Lead, Production Manager, or Operations Manager
*This is a Washington State average for this occupation. Wage rates vary by employer, industry, experience and location.
Apprenticeship Classes
Classes are held one evening per week (Tuesday–Thursday, 5–9 PM) and are only available online. Tuition: $400 per class (50% reduced rate). Many employers pay the full cost.
Planning and Management Operational
Students will be able to analyze capacity, demand, equipment, inventory, staffing, and budget reports. They be able to compose budgets for staffing, materials, and funding resources. They will gain a more in depth understanding of how to schedule staff, project tasks, procurement needs, and financial resource needs. Students will explain how production plans are built, including tools for prioritization and contingency planning. Students will learn best practices related to scheduling, estimating costs, forecasting workload, planning resource use, setting department goals, and monitoring progress. They will engage in effective debriefing communication to maintain continuous improvement of processes. 5 hours of safety in this course.
Advanced Communications
Apprentices are introduced to basic communication concepts relating to the workplace. Concepts include theory and skills practice related to interpersonal, intercultural, and production team communications, technical writing and business communications, phone and email etiquette, and conflict management. Students will create a professional portfolio that includes a resume, examples of skills, accomplishments, and samples of work.
LEAN and 6 Sigma Foundations (Green Belt)
In this course, students will be able to relate LEAN Six Sigma concepts to production objectives. They will identify waste within the value stream and demonstrate the ability to effectively analyze and present data to co-workers and stakeholders. They will define and apply team leadership tools to aid in process improvement. Students will collect and process customer or internal stakeholder input/requirements and identify key metrics for measuring success. Students will define the DMAIC process and effectively use tools and concepts associated with each phase of the DMAIC process. Finally, they’ll employ Lean Six Sigma skills in process improvement projects.
Manufacturing Leadership Development
Students will develop tools to identify and communicate the evolving purpose of their organization. They will be able to provide guidelines to develop team unity towards that purpose. Students will adopt skills to empower team members and lead them to personal and professional growth. They will use planning tools to help manage change and work toward continued positive results. Students will explain and practice leadership best practices, including mentorship, creating specific and evolving goals, creating a work culture aligned for success, motivation techniques, and conflict resolution. This course introduces interpersonal communication skills critical to leaders, including running effective and productive meetings, developing active listening skills, contributing to group decision making, and strategies for presenting to a hostile audience. 5.5 hours of safety in this course.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP Foundations)
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) refers to a method or type of software that organizations use to manage day-to-day activities. In this course, students will explore ways that ERP is used to efficiently manage demand and procurement. They will explain how ERP is used to quantify resource use, and better plan production jobs and product delivery. Students will use ERP to create invoices to send directly to customers or create and transmit import and export documentation required for cross-border shipments. Students will also identify how ERP processes enhance collaboration between businesses and vendors, helping to reduce bottlenecks. Students will explore how ERP use can help target inefficiencies in resource use and improve business outcomes. Finally, students will explain how ERP can help organizations adapt during business downturns. 3.5 hours of safety in this course.
Production and Project Management
Students will build on their knowledge of project management and explore techniques for getting projects back on track. They will focus on assigning project roles and responsibilities, problem solving, and risk management. Students will gain an understanding of tools and processes to help complete project on time and within operation production goals. This course will include some real examples of project management challenges being experienced by their classmate and the class will explore ideas to address those challenges. Students will recognize the importance of their roles as mentors to teach their teams problem solving skills. They will explore the concept of root cause analysis for identifying problems. They will practice ways to prioritize, plan, and efficiently solve problems once they have been identified. Students will be introduced to several methods of problem solving and explore one in detail. 5.5 hours of safety in this course.
3,000 Hours of Hands-On Experience
Apprentices gain hands-on experience with structured tasks to ensure well-rounded expertise.
| OJT Competency | Approx. OJT Hours |
|---|---|
| Monitors and builds daily production goals | 1,000 |
| Conducts continuous improvement meetings and projects | 800 |
| Directs and aids line production staff in daily tasks | 600 |
| Performs operational trainings on production equipment | 300 |
| Supports internal and external quality assurance programs | 300 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 3,000 |
Steps 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
Find an Employer Partner: Apply to a company already partnered with AJAC — or, if your employer isn’t yet a partner, they can easily join the program. The process is simple and AJAC will guide them through every step.
2
Get Company Approval: Your supervisor signs off on apprenticeship participation.
3
Sign the Apprenticeship Agreement: AJAC visits your employer to finalize.
4
Start Classes: Enroll in your first college-level course.
5
Track Hours: Log on-the-job training through AJAC’s Apprentice Tracking System.
6
Graduate: Earn your Journey-Level Certificate and AJAC Certificate of Completion.
Your Career Starts Here
Ready to step into an operational leadership role in manufacturing? Join AJAC’s Operations Specialist apprenticeship — earn while you learn, build your leadership and systems skills, gain college credits, and earn a nationally recognized credential — all without student debt.