How Apprenticeship Works
Employer-Partnered Apprenticeship: Your Path to Journey-Level Certification
Expert Guidance from Enrollment to Certification
Once an individual agrees to enroll in a program, AJAC works closely with the employer and employee to go over responsibilities, on-the-job training competencies, and college-level classes.
Apprentices are enrolled in AJAC’s classes taught at local community/technical colleges and/or online. Classes are college accredited, held one night a week for four hours. Most apprentices have the summer quarter off.
Apprentices work full-time as paid employees throughout the duration of the apprenticeship while receiving one-on-one mentorship and wage progressions.
Apprentices submit their on-the-job training hours each month through AJAC’s online Apprentice Tracking System. Employers review these hours and approve them on a monthly basis.
Once an apprentice has met their required on-the-job training hours and passed all of their college-level classes, they will receive a journey-level certificate through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
Qualifications & Alternative Training Options
Apprenticeship Requirements
To be eligible for an AJAC apprenticeship, you must:
- Work for a company that has partnered with AJAC, or your employer must sign a Training Agent agreement.
- Be at least 16 years old and have either a high school diploma, GED, or meet qualifying test scores.
- Pay quarterly tuition cost (approx. $380)
Become a Pre-Apprentice First
For individuals who are not qualified to become an apprentice, AJAC offers a no-cost, 10-week pre-apprenticeship program called the Manufacturing Academy.
This program is offered in-person in several locations and it is designed to give future apprentices the skills, certifications, and industry connections to become an apprentice.
