Manufacturing Academy

Hands-On Manufacturing Training That Builds Real Skills—and Real Confidence

Learn how manufacturing employers get started with AJAC apprenticeships, including costs, timelines, support, and ROI. Clear answers for Washington manufacturers.

Manufacturing Academy

Hands-On Manufacturing Training That Builds Real Skills—and Real Confidence

Get Trained. Get Hired.

The AJAC Manufacturing Academy is a no-cost, hands-on manufacturing training program designed to prepare students for long-term careers in modern manufacturing.

Students receive industry-aligned instruction, extensive shop experience, and—upon completion—direct, one-on-one support from AJAC’s Career Navigation Team to help them transition into manufacturing jobs or registered apprenticeships.

This is not theoretical training. Students learn by doing—using industry-standard equipment, practicing core manufacturing processes, and receiving direct feedback from experienced instructors who understand what today’s employers expect.

Manufacturing Academy Application

Manufacturing Academy Locations

Each quarter, AJAC operates the Manufacturing Academy at select locations. Click the drop down menu below to learn about the next class in your area.

Seattle

Structure of Program: Classroom learning takes place in person from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, students will complete independent study from home.
Class Requirement: Washington State Resident, 18 and older, legally allowed to work in the U.S. You must attend each in-person class and complete all enrollment, application, funding, and enrollment paperwork.
Class Start Date: April 1 – June 10, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Length of Program: 10 Weeks (Monday – Friday)
Location: South Seattle College—Georgetown Campus (6737 Corson Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108)

Learn More & Enroll Today!

Tacoma

Structure of Program: Classroom learning takes place in person from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, students will complete independent study from home.
Class Requirement: Washington State Resident, 18 and older, legally allowed to work in the U.S. You must attend each in-person class and complete all enrollment, application, funding, and enrollment paperwork.
Class Start Date: April 1 – June 10, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Length of Program: 10 Weeks (Monday – Friday)
Location: Bates Technical College—Downtown Campus (1101 S. Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405)

Learn More & Enroll Today!

Everett

Structure of Program: Classroom learning takes place in person from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, students will complete independent study from home.
Class Requirement: Washington State Resident, 18 and older, legally allowed to work in the U.S. You must attend each in-person class and complete all enrollment, application, funding, and enrollment paperwork.
Class Start Date: April 1 – June 10, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Length of Program: 10 Weeks (Monday – Friday)
Location: Pathfinder Manufacturing (11400 Airport Rd. Everett, WA 98204)

Learn More & Enroll Today!

Lacey

Structure of Program: Classroom learning takes place in person from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, students will complete independent study from home.
Class Requirement: Washington State Resident, 18 and older, and must attend each in-person class. Complete all application and funding paperwork.
Class Start Date: No date identified for next cohort.
Length of Program: 10 Weeks (Monday – Friday)
Location: Lacey MakerSpace (St. Martin’s University Campus, Zaverl Hall – Building 5 Baran Drive Southeast Lacey, WA 98503)

Learn More & Enroll Today!

Yakima

Structure of Program: Classroom learning takes place in person from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, students will complete independent study from home.
Class Requirement: Washington State Resident, 18 and older, and must attend each in-person class. Complete all application and funding paperwork.
Class Start Date: No date identified for next cohort.
Length of Program: 10 Weeks (Monday – Friday)
Location: AJAC MA Classroom/Shop (215 N 3rd Ave Yakima, WA 98902)

Learn More & Enroll Today!

Outcomes at a Glance

No-Cost Training

Hands-On Experience

Career Navigation

Apprentice Pathways

Learn More

About the Manufacturing Academy

1,570

Students Served

Locations Statewide

Employment Rate

In just 10 weeks, students gain real experience using industry tools, machines, and materials; build foundational manufacturing skills; and earn recognized certifications. Graduates then work directly with AJAC’s Career Navigation Team to identify employment and apprenticeship opportunities aligned with their goals.

Developed in 2011 as Washington State’s first recognized advanced manufacturing apprenticeship preparation program, the Manufacturing Academy creates a direct pathway into well-paying manufacturing careers. Funded through grants, the program removes cost barriers and expands access for individuals seeking stable, long-term employment in manufacturing.

Steps to Enrollment

A Manufacturing Academy student uses a manual mill to machine a part during class.

A Pathway to Career Security in Manufacturing

The Manufacturing Academy is designed to remove barriers to entry and provide a supported pathway into stable manufacturing careers and registered apprenticeships.

Upon completion, graduates gain direct access to AJAC’s Career Navigation Team—a dedicated resource that works individually with each student to identify next steps.

Career Navigation support includes:

Guidance on manufacturing job opportunities
Support applying for registered apprenticeships
Help understanding career pathways and advancement options
Ongoing advising as students transition into the workforce

By combining hands-on training with structured career navigation, the Manufacturing Academy helps students move forward with clarity, confidence, and long-term career security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet Our Instructors

Develop Skills. Earn Certifications.

Manufacturing Academy Application

Shop Math

Machining

Blueprint Reading

Precision Measuring

Forklift Certified

OSHA-10 Certified

Lean MFG Certified

CPR Certified

Discovering Manufacturing: Robby's Path to Becoming a Machinist

Robby Parmelee is a Manufacturing Academy student who became an AJAC machinist apprentice after graduating the 10-week program.

Launch Your Manufacturing Career

Take the next step toward a manufacturing career—with free training and guided support into jobs and apprenticeships.

Manufacturing Academy Application

Have a Question? Send us an Email!

Not sure if this program is right for you? Email us and our Manufacturing Academy team will help you explore your next steps.

Send Us Your Questions!

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.

Equal Opportunity | Equal Access
Training of all those served shall be without discrimination based on race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or as otherwise specified by law. AJAC also encourages women, minorities and veterans to apply with their employer.