Manufacturing Academy - Adult Apprenticeship

Program Type: Registered Apprenticeship Program

Geographic Scope: South Central Washington (Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima counties)

Overview:
Registered apprenticeship programs offering 2 to 5-year apprenticeships in various trades. Managed by AJAC in partnership with South Central Workforce.

Eligibility:

• Adults 18 years and older
• High school diploma/GED required
• Solid foundation in basic math
• Interest in mechanics

Available Apprenticeship Areas:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Industrial Maintenance
• Food Processing
• Industrial Maintenance Technician
• Machinist
• Industrial Manufacturing Technician
• Industrial Machine Operator
• Logistics Specialist
• Operations Specialist
• Production Technician
• Automation Technician

Program Structure:

• 2,000 to 10,000 hours depending on occupation and program
• On-the-job training (OJT) combined with related supplemental instruction (RSI) in classroom setting
• Work under expert mentor/master craftsman
• College-level classes specific to occupation and industry
• Wages increase as skills and productivity grow

Upon Completion:

• Industry-recognized Journey-level credential
• "Award of Completion" issued by Washington State Labor & Industries
• Potential college credit towards Associate's Degree
• Nationally recognized credential validating proficiency

Cost:

• No fees to Labor & Industries
• Registered apprentices receive 50% reduced tuition (approximately $300 per class)
• Employer pays apprentice and provides required on-the-job training hours
• Employer may cover or share cost of related college coursework

Contact Information:

• Phone: (509) 574-1950
• Email: info@scworkforce.org
• Address: 1205 Ahtanum Ridge Dr., Ste. B, Union Gap, WA 98903

How to Become an Apprentice

1. Contact South Central Workforce to connect with available apprenticeships in the area
2. Phone: (509) 574-1950
3. Email: info@scworkforce.org
4. In-person or Virtual: M-TH: 8am-5pm, FRI: 8am-noon

Apprentice Requirements

As a registered apprentice, you will:

• Work full-time while training with a mentor
• Earn a livable wage plus benefits
• Earn college credit towards an Associate's Degree (can lead to four-year degree)
• Complete all required hours of on-the-job training
• Attend and complete classroom instruction
• Earn nationally recognized Journey-level industry credential upon completion