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.
Manufacturing Academy
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 logistics/operations.
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.
Manufacturing Academy
The Manufacturing Academy provides job seekers with foundational manufacturing skills and a clear pathway to AJAC’s advanced manufacturing apprenticeships.
This 10-week, no-cost, apprenticeship preparation 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
AJAC partners with 15 school districts across Washington State to create opportunities for high school students to complete a registered apprenticeship program, earn tuition-free college credits, complete paid work experience alongside a mentor, and start along a path that broadens their options for the future.
AJAC offers two different 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 offers 17 different apprenticeship programs for adults who are currently working in the advanced manufacturing industries. These programs range from 18-months to five years with a majority of the training taking place at a company we partner with.
Each program includes college accredited classes, giving apprentices the opportunity to learn the theory behind their on-the-job training from industry professionals.
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, apprenticeship preparation 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.
Food Processing Machine Operator
A Food Processing Machine Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining the machinery used in the production of food products. Every industrial machine requires an operator to interact with it to set parameters, adjust parameters, perform initial set up, ensure quality standards are adhered to.
Production Machine Operator
Machine operators in production environments are skilled professionals responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining machinery used to manufacture goods. These operators work across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, food processing, and consumer goods. They ensure machinery functions efficiently, maintain high-quality standards, and minimize downtime.
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
Advanced Machining Occupations
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.
Logistics & Operations
Logistics Specialist
Logistics Specialists are responsible for managing all supply functions, procure, receive, stow, issue, and inventory material.
Operations Specialist
An operations specialist is responsible for the management of workflow throughout different departments within a manufacturing business.
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
This workforce training program receives partial support and funding from U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship: Building America grants. Read more about USDOL grant funding at esd.wa.gov/usdol.