AJAC Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships

06/04/2026

Congratulations to AvtechTyee on enrolling their newest apprentice, Dominic, in AJAC's Logistics Specialist apprenticeship program this week.

Over the next 18 months, Dominic will build skills in supply chain operations, inventory and warehouse management, ERP systems, LEAN and Six Sigma foundations, communication, and leadership. It's a hands-on pathway that helps people grow into key logistics roles while supporting stronger, more efficient operations.

We're excited to be part of Dominic's journey and look forward to seeing what's ahead! Learn more about our program: https://www.ajactraining.org/occupations/logistics-specialist/

06/04/2026

As part of our , we're proud to recognize K&N Electric Motors, an AJAC partner since 2010 and one of this year's Graduation Sponsors.

This year is especially meaningful for K&N. Not only are they celebrating the graduation of their first female apprentice, they're celebrating the first woman they've hired to work on their shop floor. Kayle recently completed her 8,000-hour Machinist apprenticeship through AJAC and will also take the stage as this year's student speaker.

K&N's support of apprenticeship goes far beyond training. Their Regional Vice President, Jan, has served on AJAC's Board of Directors for many years, helping guide and strengthen our organization along the way.

As the largest locally owned electric motor shop in the Pacific Northwest, K&N has spent nearly 80 years building a reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and investing in people. We're grateful for their continued partnership and support of the next generation of manufacturing professionals.

06/03/2026

Our starts today, and we’re kicking things off by recognizing one of our incredible Class of 2026 sponsors: Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance.

The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the world’s strongest aerospace industries, and PNAA plays a big role in keeping that community connected. Through events, scholarships, industry recognition, and networking opportunities, they bring together employers, educators, and workforce partners across the region.

Led by our friend Nikki Malcom, the PNAA team works every day to support the companies and people that keep aerospace and advanced manufacturing moving forward in Washington.

Thank you, PNAA, for supporting this year’s graduates and helping strengthen the future of our industry!

🔗 | https://www.pnaa.net/

05/29/2026

This past Wednesday, AJAC took seven students from West Valley School District #208 into the Yakima Valley to tour local manufacturing shops and give them a closer look at the industry.

We visited Magic Metals, Adventure Manufacturing, Pexco Aerospace, Inc., and CubCrafters. Each stop showed students a different side of manufacturing, from processes and equipment to the range of career paths available in the field.

The employers were generous with their time and open with their knowledge, helping students understand what these careers really look like day to day. We appreciate each shop for hosting us and supporting the next generation of manufacturing talent.

05/27/2026

We’re launching the 20.08 Club and inviting our community to help keep apprenticeship opportunities moving forward for the next generation of manufacturing workers.

👉 https://www.ajactraining.org/donate/

AJAC was founded in 2008 on a simple idea: when people get access to real skills and real opportunities, they can build strong careers and better futures.

The 20.08 Club is our new monthly giving program. A recurring gift of $20.08 a month helps support apprenticeship training, employer partnerships, and career pathways across Washington’s manufacturing industry.

If you believe in building a stronger manufacturing workforce, we’d love to have you with us.

05/15/2026

Erin and Amy spent yesterday at the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance's Women in Aerospace Conference alongside our partners at Toolcraft, including Michelle Maki from their People Operations team and AJAC apprentice Jazmin.

It was a great day connecting with women across the aerospace industry, hearing honest conversations from industry leaders, and learning from professionals doing the work every day. Events like this matter because they create space for people to share experiences, build relationships, and help shape where the industry is headed next.

Big thanks to PNAA for putting together such a thoughtful and engaging event.

05/12/2026

Some behind-the-scenes photos from this morning’s CAMPS (Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound) video shoot at JD Ott.

JD Ott has been a great partner to AJAC, not only hiring graduates from our Manufacturing Academy, but also investing in their current employees through several of our registered apprenticeship programs.

Big thanks to Tony at JD Ott and Kirk J. Davis at CAMPS for having us be part of this workforce development video series. It’s always great getting to highlight the people and companies helping build strong career pathways in manufacturing right here in the PNW!

05/08/2026

Earlier this week, we were in Spokane taking photos of our 2026 graduates and made a stop in Latah, a small town 35 miles south of Spokane to meet Broc, one of AJAC’s Youth Apprentice graduates from Spokane Valley Tech’s Production Technician program.

Broc is completing his apprenticeship at Fly Fab, a custom fabrication and plasma cutting company known for outfitting emergency vehicles, fire truck builds, railings, and flatbeds where he’s gotten hands-on experience welding, fabricating, running manual and plasma machines, and learning electrical wiring.

During harvest season, he also steps away from the shop to help support the local agriculture industry.

Every apprenticeship looks a little different, and Broc’s story is a good reminder that there’s no single path into manufacturing. What matters is getting the chance to learn real skills and build a future that fits you.

05/05/2026

Last week, we sat down with nearly a dozen manufacturing employers from the City of Kent Government to talk about something new we’re building together. AJAC is getting ready to launch the city’s first manufacturing Youth Apprenticeship program with the Kent School District.

High school students from across the district will be able to take part. They’ll get classroom instruction at Kent-Meridian High School, then head straight into real, paid on the job experience with local employers who are ready to hire and train them.

Kent is already one of the state’s biggest hubs for aerospace and manufacturing. This program is about connecting that industry directly to local students in a way that actually works. Strong support from the city, employers, and the school district made this possible, and it’s a solid step toward giving more young people a clear path into the workforce.

Learn more about our youth apprenticeship program for high school students on our website: https://www.ajactraining.org/programs/youth/

05/04/2026

AJAC’s Executive Director Lynn Strickland and Regional Program Manager Damian Magista recently sat down on the Talent Magnet Podcast (Thurston County Chamber) to talk about what’s actually going on in manufacturing right now.

A big theme was simple: most employers aren’t looking for perfect resumes, they’re looking for people who show up, work hard, and want to learn. They also talked about how apprenticeship gives people a real path into a career, with paid experience, college credit, and often no student debt.

As more experienced workers retire, there’s a real need to pass that knowledge on, and that’s where this model matters.

In this episode of Talent Magnet, we explore how apprenticeship is redefining the path from education to employment—and why it may be one of the most effecti...