Manufacturing Academy students machining

King County Manufacturing Academy

Our Next Class Starts April 4th

Manufacturing Academy logo
Manufacturing Academy instructor teaches student machining Learn More

About the Manufacturing Academy

The Manufacturing Academy (MA), sponsored by the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) offers a solid foundational career pathway into aerospace and advanced manufacturing apprenticeship opportunities.

This 10 week, no-cost*, recognized pre-apprenticeship program is currently offered in-person in Kent, Washington.

AJAC operates the Manufacturing Academy at no-cost through grant funding that focuses on encouraging women, people of color, displaced workers, and low-income individuals to develop manufacturing skills and obtain living wage jobs.

Apply Today!
Manufacturing Academy student learning grinding metal

Develop Skills. Earn Certifications.

Manufacturing Academy programs

Develop skills to succeed in the industry including:

  • Math for manufacturing.
  • Blueprint reading.
  • Lean manufacturing.
  • Effective communication.
  • Resume writing.
  • Interviewing and job application assistance.
  • Training from industry professionals, while earning college credits.
  • Tour local advanced manufacturing companies (pending company approval).
  • Obtain insight about career pathways; including education and apprenticeship opportunities.
  • Receive an industry-recognized certificate of completion.
View/Download Our Marketing Flyer
Drill bit machining

Our Next Class Starts April 4th

  • Structure of Program: In-Person Classroom Offered for Spring 2023
    Class Requirement: Washington State Resident, Ability to attend class in person M-F. Complete all application paperwork.
    Orientation Date: Spring 2023 cohort will meet in person and complete an orientation and paperwork first day of class.
    Class Start Date: April 4 – June 15, 2023 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    Length of Program: 10 Weeks (Monday – Friday)
    Location: AJAC Classroom at Green River College—Kent Station (417 Ramsay Way Kent, WA 98032)
MA Full Length Image for mobile

Our Next Class Starts April 4th

Structure of Program: In-Person Classroom Offered for Spring 2023
Class Requirement: Washington State Resident, Ability to attend class in person M-F. Complete all application paperwork.
Orientation Date: Spring 2023 cohort will meet in person and complete an orientation and paperwork first day of class.
Class Start Date: April 4 – June 15, 2023 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Length of Program: 10 Weeks (Monday – Friday)
Location: AJAC Classroom at Green River College—Kent Station (417 Ramsay Way Kent, WA 98032)

Manufacturing Academy students use precision measuring tools during class

Student Responsibilities & Expectations

  • Arrive on-time to class ready to learn.
  • Be respectful of the instructor and students.
  • Complete all assigned quizzes and homework.
  • Wear personal protective equipment when applicable.
  • Ask questions.
  • Experience with word processing software.
  • Access to internet and email.

Student Responsibilities & Expectations

  • Arrive on-time to class ready to learn.
  • Be respectful of the instructor and students.
  • Complete all assigned quizzes and homework.
  • Wear personal protective equipment when applicable.
  • Ask questions.
  • Experience with word processing software.
  • Access to internet and email.

A Booming Economy...

Aviation and maritime are significant drivers of Washington’s manufacturing economy, and include a range of industries such as aerospace, space exploration, marine manufacturing, and seafood production; AJAC’s training programs are designed to address talent pipeline and training challenges for each of these advanced manufacturing industries.

Over 20% of AJAC’s manufacturing employer partner training agents are located in the near-airport communities that constitute the Kent Industrial Valley, which stretches from South Seattle to Northern Tacoma and represents a significant portion of Washington State’s total manufacturing economy; according to the Port of Seattle’s Equity Index, manufacturing employment in the City of Kent alone represents 19% of Washington State’s total manufacturing employment (14,000 of the state’s total 72,555 estimated manufacturing jobs).

Employment After Graduation

AJAC launched a new program in 2021 to help job seekers, military members, apprentices and Manufacturing Academy students with resume building, soft-skill development, and a guided job search of advanced manufacturing employment opportunities. The AJAC Career Navigation Program is designed to bridge the gap between AJAC preparatory programs and apprenticeship opportunities.

This is a free 5-session (plus a bonus session) workshop open to all job seekers, military members, apprentices and Manufacturing Academy students. If you are an adult apprentice looking for work, AJAC can work with you individually. Almost all attendees of the previous session have been interviewing or have been offered employment.

Learn More
Manufacturing Academy logo

Application Process

You can apply at any time for our next cohort. We will contact you regarding enrollment as we approach our start date.

1. Complete an online application at any time.

2. After application is processed, a navigator will contact you discuss next steps.

3. Complete mandatory orientation paperwork supplied by navigator.

4. Enroll in the Manufacturing Academy.

5. Attend class, learn and pass quizzes.

6. Earn industry certifications and certificate of completion.

Apply Today!

Fill out the From below to apply. Questions? Send us an email!

Getting Started with Manufacturing Academy

Contact Information













Your answer will enable AJAC staff to coordinate resources to better support you in the program, and will not affect your ability to participate.




Questions? Please contact us via email or 206-764-7940.


Apply Today!

To get started, click the link below to complete our brief online form.

EEO

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.