Apprenticeships: Earning While Learning
Short-term training is only one part of a larger strategy to build a responsive, modern workforce. Registered apprenticeships are increasingly becoming the next step— providing a structured pathway to sustainable careers.
Apprenticeships, pairing paid on-the-job experience with classroom instruction, make them ideal for both employers and students. Workers gain relevant, real-world experience and earn a paycheck, while employers cultivate a tailored talent pipeline that meets their needs from the inside out.
The Apprenticeship Committee for Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing( AJAC) is Washington’ s leading non-union intermediary for these programs. They work with companies statewide to launch apprenticeships in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and production. These efforts help reduce turnover, increase productivity, and elevate workers into roles with higher responsibility and pay.
By aligning short-term training from the AMSC / WATR with AJAC’ s apprenticeship pathways, students can move seamlessly from entry-level learning to long-term career development. Employers partnering with the AMSC / WATR and AJAC Training Agent programs benefit from the mastered foundational and technical knowledge combined with“ soft skills” of the graduates.
Strong ROI for Students and the State
Workforce training in aerospace yields strong returns. In Washington, students who complete aerospace-related training programs see an average annual net benefit of $ 22,200. The return on investment for the state is $ 15 for every $ 1 spent.
Apprenticeship programs yield similarly compelling results. They help employers build loyalty and grow talent internally, while students gain valuable industry credentials, reduce or eliminate debt, and secure well-paying jobs.
Designed for Real Life
Both short-term skills training and apprenticeships offer the kind of flexibility working adults need. Evening and weekend courses, online and hybrid options, and self-paced modules ensure learners can balance school with jobs, family responsibilities, or military transition.
JUNE | JULY 2025 ISSUE NO. 45 45