The Manufacturing Academy is a 10-week, no-cost, pre-apprenticeship program that teaches students both soft skills and technical skills to include but not limited to applied math, blueprint reading, intro to machining and maintenance, interview techniques, and industry tours with AJAC partnering companies.
Pre-Apprenticeship
Youth Apprenticeship
AJAC offers two Youth Apprenticeship programs for high school students—Production Technician and Automation Technician. Each program consists of 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 3 college-level classes designed by AJAC to teach the theory behind the skills learned on the shop floor.
Adult Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship programs provide paid training to adults interested in pursuing career advancement opportunities in high demand occupations such as machinist, industrial maintenance, machine operation, and automation.
As an apprentice, you work at a full-time job while training with a mentor and earning wages + benefits. In addition, you attend classes typically one night a week at a local community or technical college to learn the theory behind the training.
Pre-Apprenticeship
In 2011, AJAC developed the state’s first advanced manufacturing registered pre-apprenticeship program, Manufacturing Academy (MA). MA offers a solid foundational career pathway into aerospace and advanced manufacturing apprenticeship opportunities for job seekers who develop industry-relevant skills at multiple locations across Washington State.
This 10-week, no-cost, pre-apprenticeship program teaches students both soft skills and technical skills to include but not limited to applied math, blueprint reading, intro to machining and maintenance, interview techniques, and industry tours with AJAC partnering companies.
Youth Apprenticeship
In 2017, AJAC began offering registered apprenticeship programs for high school students (Youth Apprenticeship), and currently partners with 15 school districts across Washington State to create opportunities for youth apprentices to finish high school, start their postsecondary education at little-to-no cost, complete paid work experience alongside a mentor, and start along a path that broadens their options for the future.
AJAC offers two Youth Apprenticeship programs—Production Technician and Automation Technician. Each program consists of 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 3 college-level classes designed by AJAC to teach the theory behind the skills learned on the shop floor.
Adult Apprenticeship
AJAC launched in 2008 with an investment from Washington State to skill-up the aerospace and advanced manufacturing workforce through registered apprenticeship. AJAC developed and implemented 10 high-growth, in-demand apprenticeship occupations to serve a variety of demographics, industries, and companies across the state.
AJAC serves approximately 400 apprentices per year at close to 300 companies, partnering with 12 community colleges to ensure that all apprentices are receiving college credits while working towards a journey-level certificate.
Lifelong Career Training Timeline
AJAC’s stackable apprenticeships offer job seekers and incumbent workers an opportunity to advance their skill development from one level to the next. Credentials earned in AJAC’s programs can accumulate over time to fast-track an apprentice’s career pathway to greater employment opportunities and higher paying jobs.
Develop Fundamental Skill Sets
Manufacturing Academy
AJAC’s 10-week, no-cost, pre-apprenticeship program provides job seekers with foundational manufacturing skills including math, blueprint reading, interview techniques, and intro to machining and maintenance.
Upon completion of the program, AJAC works with our network of local employers to offer internship opportunities for graduates.
Youth Apprenticeship
AJAC’s Youth Apprenticeship programs are designed for high school juniors and seniors to develop career-ready skills in the advanced manufacturing industry. These programs combine paid on-the-job training and college-level classroom instruction which can lead to a high school diploma, journey-level certification, and short-term college certificate.
Entry-Level Programs
Industrial Manufacturing Technician
Industrial Manufacturing Technicians operate production equipment, assemble applicable components, read blueprints, improve manufacturing processes and manage raw materials/consumables.
Industrial Machine Operator
Industrial Machine Operators set and adjust manufacturing equipment and production processes, and perform preventative and predicative machine maintenance.
Industry-Specific Occupations
Machinist
Almost every object you see in the world contains parts that are created by a machinist — from a desk to a car engine to the wings of an airplane. Like a sculptor, a machinist uses high-tech cutting machines to shape metal, plastics, ceramics, composites and even wood into something new.
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Industrial Maintenance Technicians install, repair and maintain commercial or industrial machinery in buildings, a plant, or a manufacturing setting—ensuring all machines function properly through troubleshooting and preventative maintenance service.
Plastic Process Technician
A Plastic Process Technicians primary job is to set up, monitor and troubleshoot plastic injection-molding machines. This requires specialized knowledge of materials, specific tools, and equipment
Career Advancement Education
CNC Programmer
Develop programs to control machining or processing of metal or plastic parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. CNC Programmer apprentices will use computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing fundamentals to design for manufacturability.
Tool & Die Maker
Tool and Die Makers analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.
After Completion
AJAC Instructor
Pay it forward — pass on your knowledge to the next generation by teaching for AJAC during our evening apprenticeship classes.
Subject Matter Expert
Utilize your classroom and industry experience to refine and develop AJAC’s classroom curriculum.
College Degree Pathway
Apply your college credits to earn an associates or bachelors degree from a college or university in disciplines such as engineering, manufacturing technology, and business operations.
Get Started Today
To get started, please complete our brief online form using the link below