AJAC automation technician apprentice

Yakima Manufacturing Academy

Our Next Class Starts June 20th!

Manufacturing Academy logo
Manufacturing Academy student learning grinding metal Learn More

About the Manufacturing Academy

AJAC’s Yakima Manufacturing Academy – a recognized pre-apprenticeship program – is designed for Yakima Valley-area residents who need additional training and support to enter and succeed in local advanced manufacturing and food processing industries.

This no-cost*, recognized pre-apprenticeship program is currently offered in-person at Yakima Valley College.

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.

Manufacturing Academy Application
Manufacturing Academy pre-apprenticeship students use power tools in class

Develop Skills. Earn Certifications.

Skills and certificates earned in an AJAC pre-apprenticeship program in Yakima

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.
Drill bit machining

Our Next Class Starts June 20th

Enrollment Requirement: Open to anyone aged 16 or older with reliable transportation to class.

Class Start Date: June 20, 2023 – August 31, 2023 | 9am – 12pm

Length of Program: 10 Weeks (Monday – Friday)

Location: Yakima Valley College

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Our Next Class Starts June 20th!

Enrollment Requirement: Open to anyone aged 16 or older with reliable transportation to class.

Class Start Date: June 20, 2023 – August 31, 2023 | 9am – 12pm

Length of Program: 10 Weeks (Monday – Friday)

Location: Yakima Valley College

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...

Advanced manufacturing is a significant driver of Yakima’s economy and includes a range of industries such as aerospace, plastics, machinery, food processing, and metal fabrication. Nearly 8,500 people work in Yakima County’s manufacturing industry earning on average $53,768 a year–a 3.3% increase over the last ten years.

AJAC’s training programs are designed to address talent pipeline and training challenges for each of these advanced manufacturing industries.

Nearly 20 advanced manufacturing employers in Yakima County participate in AJAC’s registered apprenticeship programs. These employers include: Tree Top, Washington Beef, Yakima Chief Hops, Magic Metals, Pexco Aerospace, Thermoforming Systems, Washington Fruit, Rankin Equipment and many more. In addition to participating in AJAC’s apprenticeship programs, many of these employers hire directly from the Yakima Manufacturing Academy program—giving graduates a unique opportunity to directly apply their skills to the real-world.

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.

Career Navigation Program
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!

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.