Eligibility Requirements: Must be 18+ years old, a Washington State residents, and legally able to work in the United States.
Lacey MakerSpace Manufacturing Academy
Our Next Class Starts August 19th
Learn More
About the Manufacturing Academy
AJAC’s Lacey MakerSpace Manufacturing Academy – a recognized pre-apprenticeship program – delves into essential technical skill development while students earn industry-recognized certifications—enriching their professional portfolios.
AJAC’s extensive network of manufacturing employers in Thurston County will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical application.
Upon successful completion of the Manufacturing Academy program, students will be connected with career opportunities within the local advanced manufacturing industries.
There is no-cost to enroll for Washington State residents that meet eligibility requirements.
Develop Skills. Earn Certifications.
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.
Our Next Class Starts August 19th
- Structure of Program: In-Person Classroom Offered for Summer 2024
- Class Requirement: Washington State Resident, Ability to attend class in person M-F. Complete all application paperwork.
- Class Start Date: August 19 – September 13, 2024 | 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Length of Program: 4 Weeks (Monday – Thursday)
- Location: Lacey MakerSpace (5 Baran Drive Southeast, Lacey, WA 98503)
Our Next Class Starts August 19th
- Structure of Program: In-Person Classroom Offered for Summer 2024
- Class Requirement: Washington State Resident, Ability to attend class in person M-F. Complete all application paperwork.
- Class Start Date: August 19 – September 13, 2024 | 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Length of Program: 4 Weeks (Monday – Thursday)
- Location: Lacey MakerSpace (5 Baran Drive Southeast, Lacey, WA 98503)
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...
Advanced manufacturing is a significant driver of Thurston County’s economy and includes a range of industries such as food processing, wood products, fabricated metal products, agriculture, forestry, and transportation and warehousing.
The manufacturing sector in Thurston County has shown steady growth over the past decade. As of recent reports, manufacturing employs a considerable portion of the workforce in Thurston County. In 2021, the industry employed around 4,400 people, representing about 5.2% of the total employment in the county. The average annual wage for manufacturing workers in the county is approximately $58,000, which is higher than the county’s overall average wage.
AJAC’s training programs are designed to address talent pipeline and training challenges for each of these advanced manufacturing industries.
Nearly a dozen advanced manufacturing employers in Southeast Washington participate in AJAC’s registered apprenticeship programs. These employers include: Capital Industrial, Sierra Pacific Industries, Pacific Ironworks, Small Planet Supply, Vaughan Company, Pacific Veneer, Braun Northwest, Walsh Trucking, 3V Precision Machining, and more. In addition to participating in AJAC’s apprenticeship programs, many of these employers hire directly from the Lacey Makerspace Manufacturing Academy program—giving graduates a unique opportunity to directly apply their skills to the real-world.
Employment After Graduation
The AJAC Career Navigation Program is dedicated to guiding graduates from the Manufacturing Academy towards successful careers in the manufacturing industry.
It offers comprehensive services including:
- personalized resume review and building
- guided job search strategies
- connections with a network of partnering employers
- craft competitive resumes
- navigate job boards
- access exclusive job postings and networking opportunities.
The AJAC Career Navigation Program aims to empower individuals with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to achieve their career aspirations in the manufacturing sector.
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!
To get started, click the link below to complete our brief online form.
Partnering Organizations for This Program
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.
WorkSource is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay Service: 711. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult and Dislocated Worker, Youth grant, Quality Jobs, Equity, Strategy and Training (QUEST) Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grants, Opioid national dislocated worker grant, and Federal Economic Security for All (Federal EcSA) is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration as part of an award totaling $955,115 (71%), with $398,000 (29%) state, local and/or non-governmental funds.