The State of Washington has one of our nation’s best statewide-registered apprenticeships programs.
In fact, it’s one of the pacific northwest’s best-kept secrets that there are an abundance of registered apprenticeships and on-the-job-training (OJT) opportunities in Washington State. Historically Washington is best known for its sprawling 22 million acres of illustrious forests, 15 million acres of fertile farmland, and Mount Rainier – one of our nation’s highest peaks. It’s home to 7.6 million people and our country’s 10th largest and wealthiest economy.
These days Washington has long transcended its image as just an outdoor enthusiast’s dream full of rich geological diversity. Boasting one of the most comprehensive registered apprenticeship programs and sophisticated workforces in the country. Where over 90% of the residents earn a high school diploma and 1/3 of them maintain a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, Washington has a robust educational network including 34 community & technical colleges, 27 private colleges, and 6 public universities.
Now the Evergreen State is best known for being the birthplace of The Boeing Company, Microsoft Corporation, and Starbucks. So, it’s no small wonder that Washington accounted for $613 billion dollars of America’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019. A wider snapshot reveals that Washington’s GDP has also grown 4.5%, ranking it first among all fifty states over the past 5 years.
The key economic drivers of this accelerated growth are led by the aerospace and technology industries. While the more traditional business sectors of healthcare, construction, and professional services continue to provide consistent economic growth and stability. Supplying abundant opportunities for the development of new statewide registered apprenticeship programs.
WASHINGTON STATE REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS AND ON-THE-JOB TRAINING (OJT) RESOURCES
Apprenticeships are industry-driven, high-quality career pathways where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience and a portable, nationally-recognized credential. With over 170 registered apprenticeship programs and encompassing an eclectic mix of providers.
The State of Washington continues to make strategic investments into its economic viability and the long-term sustainability of its workforce. Consistently growing their expansive network of registered apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training opportunities. Additionally, Washington has two exceptional state-sponsored resources that career seekers should utilize in their apprenticeship search. The Washington State Apprenticeship & Training Council and Washington Career Bridge.
Now, let’s take a look at a few of Washington State’s most impressive and innovative apprenticeship programs in the Aerospace, Construction, and Health Care industries.
AEROSPACE & ADVANCED MANUFACTURING REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS AND ON-THE-JOB TRAINING (OJT) OPPORTUNITIES
Fun fact. Every Boeing model that begins and ends with a ‘7’ has been built in Washington, making it the sole producer of the 737, 767 and 777 airplanes. In both 2018 and 2019, the Aerospace Competitive Economics Study (ACES) identified Washington State as having the most competitive business environment for the manufacture of major aerospace structures.
So, it’s no small wonder that two of our nation’s best aerospace registered apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training opportunities can be found in Washington State. The IAM/Boeing Joint Apprenticeship Program and the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC).
IAM/Boeing Apprenticeship Program
The IAM/Boeing Apprenticeship Program offers ten apprenticeship opportunities that are four or five years in length and require 160 unpaid classroom hours per year. The program is administered in strict accordance with the Standards of Apprenticeship approved by the IAM/Boeing Joint Apprenticeship Committee and the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
Registered apprenticeships for the following occupations are offered through this program:
- Blue Streak Mechanic
- Composite Manufacturing Technician
- Industrial Electronic Maintenance Technician
- Machine Tool Maintenance Mechanic
- Maintenance Machinist
- Manufacturing Machinist
- Metal Structures Technician
- Model Maker
- NC Skin Mill Operator
- NC Spar Mill Operator
- Tool & Cutter Grinder
- Tool & Die Maker
- Tooling Inspector
Upon graduation, apprentices are certified as Journey Level Craftspeople in their selected trades by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC)
The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee believes that all people have the opportunity to earn competitive wages, find meaningful and fulfilling work, and pursue lifelong learning. AJAC is a statewide, nonprofit 501(c)(3) aerospace and advanced manufacturing registered apprenticeship program. It launched in 2008 with an investment from Washington State to skill-up the aerospace and advanced manufacturing workforce. Facilitating the transfer of decades of experience, knowledge, and skills to 400 apprentices per year through eight apprenticeship programs.
Registered apprenticeships for the following occupations are offered through this program:
- Machinist (Aircraft-Oriented)
- Precision Metal Fabricator
- Tool and Die Maker
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
- Plastic Process Technician
- Production Technician (Youth)
- Industrial Manufacturing Technician
- Automation Technician (Youth)
AJAC and its advisory committee develop and implement registered apprenticeship programs based on employer and industry needs. Combining innovative on-the-job training experience with cutting-edge curriculum to develop the next generation of aerospace and advanced manufacturing leaders. If a company has 15 or more employees that need training in one of AJAC’s currently registered occupations, AJAC can create a new program exclusively for that company.
Aviation Technical Services (ATS)
The Matt Yerbic Apprenticeship Program, named for ATS’ CEO, was designed to develop a strong in-house pipeline of well-trained aircraft technicians for ATS. Apprentice Mechanics are full-time paid employees with access to the company’s full suite of benefits. Over the course of 18 – 24 months, apprentice mechanics are promoted through three apprenticeship levels according to their competence.
After a minimum of 18-months, an Apprentice Mechanic may be eligible to become an FAA certificated Repairman. Which makes them eligible to take the FAA certificated Airframe Mechanic test. ATS provides continued career guidance and licensing support, including reimbursing testing fees. ATS provides a transparent promotion process, that communicates clear career pathways for their technicians to experience long-term success and growth.
Check out these nationwide apprenticeships and on-the-job training opportunities from OJT.com for Aviation Mechanics & Technicians, Industrial Maintenance Mechanics, and CNC Production Machinist.
CONSTRUCTION, UTILITIES & ENERGY REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS AND ON-THE-JOB TRAINING (OJT) OPPORTUNITIES
At the core of Washington State’s expansive registered apprenticeship program are over one hundred construction, utilities, and energy apprenticeship programs that produce thousands of apprentices annually. Each program contributing to the growth and the long-term stability of the state’s infrastructure. In fact, 24% of Washington’s apprenticeship programs produce the future journeyman responsible for building and maintaining the state’s energy production and distribution systems. Led by the Seattle City Light Apprenticeship, one of Washington’s premier public utility district apprenticeship programs.
More than 40% of Washington State’s apprenticeship programs are construction-based. They include programs for construction laborers, carpenters, electricians, cement masons, plumbers & pipefitters, and many more. The Construction Industry Training Council of Washington hosts one of the most expansive registered apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training opportunities nationwide.
Seattle City Light Apprenticeship
The Seattle City Light Apprenticeship Program offers six apprenticeship opportunities that are three to five years in length and require a minimum of 144 hours of unpaid classroom hours per year. Apprenticeships at City Light are full-time employees that earn $34/hour or more to start. Then receive wage step increases as you gain experience and knowledge. Plus, they also include full medical, dental, and vision benefits offered to City of Seattle employees.
Registered apprenticeships for the following occupations are offered through this program:
- Pre-Apprentice Lineworker
- Cable Splicer
- Electrician Constructor
- Generation Electrician Constructor
- Hydroelectric Maintenance Machinist
- Meter Electrician
City Light Apprenticeship programs are approved, registered, and monitored by the State of Washington Labor and Industries Apprenticeship and Training Council. The City of Seattle Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) Apprenticeship Sub-Committee ensures that all of Washington States’ Apprenticeship Training Standards are met. Dedicated to increasing the number of women and minorities in our apprenticeships while providing opportunities for all qualified applicants.
Construction Industry Training Council of Washington
The Construction Industry Training Council of Washington apprenticeship program offers ten apprenticeship opportunities that are two to five years in length and require 160 unpaid classroom hours per year. Registered apprenticeships for the following occupations are offered through this program:
- Carpentry
- Commercial Inside Wireman
- Residential Wireman
- Communications Technician
- Heavy Equipment Operators
- HVAC
- Construction Craft Laborers
- Painting
- Plumbing
- Sheet Metal
With an apprenticeship through CITC, apprentices receive formal classroom training without the cost of tuition, and the opportunity to work with first-class employers receiving paid on-the-job training while under the direct supervision of experienced journey-level workers. CITC’s training programs currently serve more than 1,2000 apprenticeship and classroom training students; 8,000 continuing education students; and over 150 students take part in our commercial, industrial, pipeline, and supervisory skills assessments and performance verifications.
Here are a few other noteworthy construction and utilities apprenticeship programs offered in the State of Washington.
ANEW: Trades Rotation Program and Pre-Apprenticeship and Construction Education
Barron Technical School: Electrical, HVAC(R) Technician, and Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs
Local Union 112 / NECA Electrical Apprenticeship Committee: Electrical Apprenticeship Program
Inland Northwest AGC Apprenticeship: Carpentry, Heavy Equipment Operating, and Craft Laborer Apprenticeship Programs
Check out this nationwide apprenticeship and on-the-job training opportunities from OJT.com for Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers & Pipefitters, Operating Engineers, and Craft Laborers.
HEALTHCARE REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS AND ON-THE-JOB TRAINING (OJT) OPPORTUNITIES
Few factors bear as heavily on the well-being of any state’s citizens as their overall quality of health. Given our country’s rapidly aging population, leading to greater demand for healthcare services. Creating space for the development of innovative health care registered apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training opportunities, which traditionally haven’t existed.
Always on the cutting edge of innovation, Washington State is adding new health care apprenticeships annually. That’s the Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium sponsored by SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, and the Washington Association for Community Health Apprenticeship.
Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium
The Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium is a multi-union and multi-employer Washington State-registered Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. Sponsored by SEIU Healthcare 1199NW Multi-Employer Training and Education Fund. And created to provide Washington State healthcare employers access to the benefits of skilled apprenticeship training for their workforce. Offering three apprenticeship opportunities that are one to two years in length and require a minimum of 288 hours of technical instruction.
Registered apprenticeships for the following occupations are offered through this program:
- Medical Assistant (MA)
- Central Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT)
- Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
These programs prepare students to receive the MA-C, CRCST, or CPhT certification. During which they work a full-time job at clinics and hospitals throughout Washington during their apprenticeship. Receiving paid on-the-job training and guaranteed employment once they’ve completed their apprenticeship program. The Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium is building a state-wide healthcare educational pathway. Developing multiple apprenticeship opportunities for healthcare employers across the state. Promoting accessibility, retention, and stability within the healthcare workforce.
Washington Association for Community Health
The Washington Association for Community Health Apprenticeship Program is a 12-month program that has been approved by the State of Washington as an equivalent to an MA-C program at a community or technical college. It prepares students to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) test through the National Health Career Association.
Apprentices complete 2000 hours of on-the-job training (paid) with the support and guidance of an experienced one-on-one Medical Assistant coach. Plus, attend 410 hours of unpaid coursework and in-person lab days. Facilitated by an expert instructor to practice and demonstrate mastery of hands-on technical skills. To date, 403 apprentices have completed the program, and 100% of them have passed CCMA Exam since 2017. Primarily due to the exceptional curriculum and 1:1 mentorship that each apprentice receives.
Check out these nationwide apprenticeships and on-the-job training opportunities from OJT.com for Medical Assistants.
As we mentioned earlier, Washington has an expansive educational network that includes 34 community & technical colleges, 27 private colleges, and 6 public universities.
OJT.com Supports Washington State Registered Apprenticeships and On-The-Job Training
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