AJAC | Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships

Did you know? Each year, we craft 3,000 custom dog tags at our outreach events! Our mobile HAAS CNC mini mill hits the road, bringing the art of machining to communities across the state. From programming to shop math and tooling, we're inspiring the next generation of makers!

We stopped by our Manufacturing Academy at Bates Technical College last week to catch our 22 students in action as they machined their class projects! From manual mills and lathes to dial calipers, deburring, math, and blueprint reading, they’re putting their training to work. These students are gearing up to graduate next week! After graduation, they’ll partner with our Career Navigation Team to connect with employers in the Pierce County region and launch their manufacturing careers! Amy Suter Demetria "Lynn" Strickland

Congratulations to the 13 graduates of our Yakima Manufacturing Academy! Over 10 weeks, these students mastered key manufacturing skills like machining, precision measurement, shop math, and blueprint reading. They also earned industry-recognized certifications in Lean Manufacturing, OSHA-10, and CPR/First Aid. Ready to kickstart your manufacturing career? Our next Yakima cohort begins January 15th! Don’t wait—enroll today: https://lnkd.in/gG87hSC8

At 18 years old, Mario Esparza has gone from working in fast food to becoming a full-time Production Technician at Genie . Mario is part of Genie's first youth apprenticeship cohort through AJAC | Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships and received additional support from SkillSource. “SkillSource is a great option when you need help getting up on your feet,” Mario shared. “They helped me with work-related clothing and transportation, which made starting my apprenticeship at Genie comfortable." Upon completing his apprenticeship, he’ll earn a Production Technician certificate and become a full-time team member with benefits and potential pay increases. Everyone at SkillSource is so proud of you and your accomplishments, Mario! The sky's the limit! https://lnkd.in/gPNysrmF #skillsource #nationalapprenticeshipweek #naw #youthapprentice

Well over 500 people attended our co-hosted National Apprenticeship Week event last night at Sno Isle Tech Skills Center! This event brought over 30 apprenticeship programs together all under one roof with the goal of raising awareness of the trades. #naw #naw24

We’re kicking off #ApprenticeshipWeek at the Redmond HS Apprenticeship Fair, inspiring the next generation with opportunities in advanced manufacturing! Don’t miss the largest Apprenticeship Career & Job Fair, cohosted by AJAC, this Thursday at Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center from 4-7 PM. Come by and discover how we can help you launch your career in manufacturing!

Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center is hosting an annual Apprenticeship Career + Job Fair in recognition of National Apprenticeship Week on November 21st! There will be apprenticeship programs representing the following industries: construction, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, transportation, healthcare, culinary, carpentry, IT, maritime, and many more!

Today, our Yakima Manufacturing Academy students toured Adventurer Manufacturing and learned what goes into making a recreational vehicle! They had the unique opportunity to see how Adventurer Manufacturing has grown from a five-person team in 1969 to an impressive 120 employees, building each RV in just three days. Thank you to Adventurer Manufacturing for giving our students a glimpse into the craftsmanship and dedication behind their locally made products!

Exciting News! ?? Join us for our first-ever manufacturing employer round table in Thurston County! ?? Wednesday, December 11th ? 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM ?? Lacey MakerSpace Explore essential topics to enhance your workforce strategy: ? Access to Skilled Entry-Level Talent – See how AJAC’s Manufacturing Academy connects you with trained, job-ready workers. ? Workforce Development Strategies – Discover apprenticeship programs to build your team in roles like Machinist, Logistics Specialist, and more. ? Youth Apprenticeship Opportunities – Learn how CTE programs can bring eager high school students into your industry. ? Networking with Industry Peers – Connect with fellow leaders to share challenges, solutions, and best practices. Secure your spot now: https://lnkd.in/gq_wiCXT #WorkforceDevelopment #Manufacturing #TalentPipeline #AJAC #TrainingOpportunities #Apprenticeship

Too good not to share! Our Manufacturing Academy students in Yakima had a spook-tacular time celebrating Halloween while mastering essential manufacturing skills in our 10-week course. On November 21st, our first Yakima cohort will graduate, with 13 talented students ready to kickstart their careers in advanced manufacturing! Employers in the Yakima area partnering with AJAC get exclusive access to interview and hire these future manufacturing leaders. Don't miss out!