AJAC Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships

08/20/2026

Four days. One focused skill. A team of manufacturing professionals putting it into practice.

Yesterday, Onamac Industries wrapped up four days of GD&T training with AJAC.

This is what our new FAST (Focused Applied Skills Training) Certificate Courses are built for: focused training that helps manufacturing teams strengthen the skills they need.

Thanks to the Onamac team for having us in!

Learn more about FAST: ajactraining.org/employers/fast-certificate/

08/18/2026

Congrats to Ron and Mark, who signed on the dotted line last week to officially begin their machining apprenticeships with AJAC through their company, Onamac Industries!

They’ll start AJAC classes next month with Engineering Drawings, a 50-hour course covering both theory and practical application, including dimensioning, tolerancing, lines, symbols, scales, datums and more.

There’s still time for manufacturing companies to enroll new apprentices for fall quarter. Tell us about your workforce needs, and our team can help you find the right training solution: https://www.ajactraining.org/employers/

07/28/2026

The world needs more Rosies.

Four years ago, Kayle Arneson took a chance on an apprenticeship. She became the first woman on the shop floor at K&N Electric Motors and built a career as a skilled machinist.

Today, she’s an AJAC Class of 2026 graduate with the skills, experience, and confidence to take her career anywhere.

Her message to other women considering a career in manufacturing? You absolutely can do it.

This is Kayle’s story: https://www.ajactraining.org/blog/the-world-needs-more-rosies/

07/21/2026

Parents Now Believe the Skilled Trades Offer a Better Return on Investment Than College by Nearly 3 to 1.

More than half (55%) of parents believe schools still do not take the trades as seriously as university pathways, and 80% believe giving college and the trades equal promotion would encourage more students to consider skilled trade careers.

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In the age of AI, the trades offer a proven way for Gen Z to thrive in the face of automation, instability, and student debt. So why aren’t they choosing them? We surveyed 1,000+ Gen Zs and and 1,000+ parents of Gen Zs to find out.

07/21/2026

What makes a great instructor? It's not just teaching the material. It's believing in people before they believe in themselves.

Meet Jason Vice, AJAC's 2026 Instructor of the Year, and hear why he's spent the last 14 years helping apprentices build skills, confidence, and careers in manufacturing.

07/20/2026

Congrats to Tyrel and George, who officially became AJAC apprentices last week through Toolcraft!

Tyrel is starting his journey in our Production Technician Youth Apprenticeship, balancing high school, part-time work, and college level classes at Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center. George is beginning our four year Machinist Apprenticeship and will start earning on the job training hours and taking classes this fall.

Thinking about apprenticeship? AJAC doesn't have an application process. If you work for one of our employer partners and they're ready to sponsor you, we'll take it from there.

Learn how enrollment works: https://www.ajactraining.org/enrollment/

07/17/2026

Washington is home to more than 8,200 manufacturers, and every one of them depends on skilled people to keep things moving.

This recent The Seattle Times story shines a light on the manufacturers building our state's economy. At AJAC, we're proud to help build the workforce behind them through our registered apprenticeship programs.

It's a great reminder that strong manufacturing starts with a strong workforce.

Small manufacturers Misty Mountain, Rite in the Rain and Goodwin Composites share how they found their niches and how they survive as tariffs rise and consumer interests change.

07/15/2026

Great food, great company, and great connections!

We had a fantastic time at Mitutoyo's annual Hawaiian Luau at their Renton headquarters. It was great catching up with current and former AJAC instructors Tim Bacon, Darin Chase, and Duane Stephens, and we loved seeing our recent graduation ceremony featured in Mitutoyo's display case.

A big thank you to the MITUTOYO AMERICA CORPORATION team for the warm hospitality. We always enjoy spending time with such a great partner.

07/15/2026

What does it take to prepare someone for a career in manufacturing?

It starts with giving them the chance to learn by doing.

Tormach Inc. recently interviewed AJAC about how we're using their CNC machines to help prepare the next generation of machinists. From reading blueprints and writing G-code to programming and running parts, students build real skills on equipment that reflects what they'll see in today's manufacturing facilities.

We're grateful to TORMACH for taking the time to tell our story and for supporting hands-on manufacturing education.

AJAC prepares individuals for manufacturing careers through hands-on training with Tormach CNC machines, blending classroom instruction and practical experience.

07/14/2026

"One Last Breath?" Not for Ethan. He's just getting started.

Congrats to Ethan on taking the next step in his manufacturing career by transitioning from AJAC's Youth Apprenticeship program into our adult Machinist Apprenticeship with Electroimpact.

Ethan got his start through our partnership with Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center, making this an exciting milestone in a journey that's only beginning.

Even better, this photo includes Ethan's dad, Chris, Electroimpact's Machine Shop Manager and a Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center graduate himself. It's a great reminder that careers in manufacturing can inspire the next generation, sometimes right at home.