By Aaron Ferrell – Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships (AJAC)
By now, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Good help is hard to find.” In manufacturing, that phrase has evolved into something closer to “Skilled help is nearly extinct.” In today’s ultra-competitive labor market, Washington’s advanced manufacturers aren’t just struggling to find skilled workers — they’re rethinking what it means to develop them. Faced with an aging workforce and a widening skills gap, many employers are discovering a powerful solution that’s been hiding in plain sight: registered apprenticeship.
The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) is Washington State’s largest nonprofit advanced manufacturing training organization. Our organization has spent the past 16 years proving that you don’t need to chase unicorn candidates — you can grow them in-house. Since 2009, AJAC has trained over 2,000 registered apprentices across 17 occupations and equipped more than 1,700 job seekers through its Manufacturing Academy apprenticeship preparation program.
Today, AJAC trains nearly 80% of all state-registered apprentices in advanced manufacturing.
The Problem with Perfect Candidates? They Don’t Exist.
If you can’t clone your best employee, the next best thing is training someone to be just like them. That’s where AJAC comes in — with no-cost apprenticeship programs that are customized, accredited, and conveniently based within your actual workplace, using your equipment, and your real-life production processes.
Why have 350 companies jumped on board? Because apprenticeship works. Here are four reasons why:
- Skills That Stick
Apprentices learn theory in the classroom and apply that theory in your real-work environment, using your processes. No guesswork. Just precision. - Productivity Boost
Employers who utilize registered apprenticeship see increased productivity, increased profitability, and reduced waste, which equals a better bottom line. - Increased Retention
Employers who invest in registered apprenticeship see a 92% employee retention rate. When you invest in your employees, they invest in you. It’s basic human nature and good business. - Positive ROI
Employers who invest in registered apprenticeship programs experience a 44.3% return on their investment.
Widened Perspective and a Positive Company Culture
Apprentices bring new perspectives to the table, helping seasoned teams think differently and employees feel valued when employers invest in their growth, leading to a more motivated and engaged workforce.
Easy Button
AJAC makes implementing a registered apprenticeship program easy. There’s no cost to partner, no need to navigate state regulations alone, and no restrictions on company size or union affiliation. AJAC handles the logistics — from paperwork and curriculum to classroom coordination and mentor training.
All you have to do is show up and be willing to invest in your team!
Nearly all apprenticeship training (93%) happens on the job. The rest is covered through college-accredited classes taught by working industry professionals.
That means whether you’re a company in Spokane building manufacturing sheet metal components or a Yakima aerospace firm facing workforce shortages, you get the same high-quality, customized support.
Real Training From Real Industry Experts
With over 40 training locations statewide, AJAC employs a cadre of industry professionals, still working full-time in the field to provide the classroom instruction to apprentices. Our instructors bring the latest tools, techniques, and workarounds from the shop floor directly into the classroom.
It’s not just theory. It’s real, applicable training. As Mike Hagen formerly of American Structures & Design put it, “Everything the apprentices learn in class is actionable. Whether it’s tolerances, technical drawings, or project management, they apply it the next day.”
Rethinking the Hiring Strategy
In a job market where everyone is competing for the same tiny pool of skilled candidates, AJAC offers a bold idea: what if the talent you need is already working for you — just waiting for the right opportunity?
“Traditional job boards can only take you so far,” said Andrew Norman of Pexco Aerospace. “Now is the time to rethink your recruitment strategy and take a hard look at the young adults in our very community who are eager to apply what they’re learning in high school to the shop floor.”
Forget chasing the perfect candidate. Start building them. With AJAC, the talent you need is already in your breakroom — all they need is a pathway.
