What are the responsibilities and job description for the Machinist Apprentice position at AJAC?
Location: Pierce County (Placements Vary by Employer)
Schedule: Full-time employment One evening class per week
Compensation: $26-$50/hour (average journey-level wage rate paid by employer while you train)
If you’re interested in becoming a machinist apprentice, your first step is to complete AJAC’s Career Navigation Form (https://www.tfaforms.com/5156413)
Start Your Career in Precision Machining
AJAC is recruiting motivated individuals interested in a long-term, hands-on career in advanced manufacturing. Through this registered apprenticeship, you’ll work full time for a local employer while completing weekly college-level classes that build your machining expertise.
For candidates with manufacturing and/or machining experience, this apprenticeship offers a more structured pathway for advancing your skills through hands-on training, expert mentorship, and recognized credentials.
What You’ll Do as a Machinist Apprentice
Machinist apprentices learn by doing. While employed full time by an AJAC partner company, you will:
- Operate manual tools such as mills, lathes, and drill presses
- Set up and run CNC machines including advanced operation procedures
- Learn G-code fundamentals and machine programming
- Read and interpret engineering drawings
- Apply GD&T in real production environments
- Use precision measuring tools to inspect parts
- Produce components for aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, and advanced manufacturing industries
The program includes about 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training plus 12 college-level classes, held one evening per week.
What You’ll Learn in AJAC’s College-Level Classes
Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll complete a structured sequence of classes designed specifically for the machining trade:
- Precision Machining 1 & 2: Manual machining fundamentals, job plans, tolerances, and hands-on training with mills, lathes, and drill presses.
- Technical Drawings: How to read, interpret, and create engineering drawings used in machining and fabrication.
- Shop Algebra: Practical algebra for manufacturing—fractions, formulas, linear equations, ratios, and calculations used on the shop floor.
- Applied Geometry & Trigonometry: Geometry and trig applied to machining, including angles, perimeters, areas, and right/non-right triangles.
- CNC Operation & Setup: G & M codes, offsets, tool lengths, cutter compensation, and machine setup.
- GD&T and Precision Fits: Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, standards, and how to apply them to engineering drawings.
- CNC Programming (Mill & Lathe): Writing programs by hand, using Mastercam, running simulations, and building foundational CNC programming skills.
- Materials, Processes & References: Material properties, outside processes, and industry standards that influence machining decisions.
- Inspection: Measuring size, form, orientation, and surface finish using precision instruments.
- Advanced Machining Technologies: Exposure to emerging processes like EDM, waterjet, composites machining, laser systems, and lean manufacturing.
Together, these classes help you build the knowledge, math, and technical foundation needed to become a highly skilled machinist.
Why Choose a Machinist Apprenticeship?
- Earn while you learn — full-time employment from day one
- Low-cost college classes (many employers cover tuition completely)
- Nationally recognized journey-level credential upon completion
- Career pathways into advanced roles like CNC Programmer and Tool & Die Maker
- Training that fits your life — evening classes so you can work during the day
Basic Minimum Requirements:
- Current Washington State Resident
- 18 years or older
- High school diploma or GED (or qualifying test scores)
- Ability to work full time with one evening class per week
- Eligible to work in the United States
How to Get Started:
If you’re interested in becoming a machinist apprentice, your first step is to complete AJAC’s Career Navigation Form (https://www.tfaforms.com/5156413). This helps us:
- Learn about your experience and career goals
- Determine whether your current employer can participate in apprenticeship
- OR match you with a new employer who is hiring machinist apprentices
Many applicants aren’t sure where to begin—this form helps us guide you.
Complete Our Career Navigation Form Here: https://www.tfaforms.com/5156413
The Process You'll Go Through:
To enroll in an AJAC apprenticeship, the following steps must be completed. AJAC will walk you through each one:
1. Work for a Partner Employer: If you already work for a manufacturing employer, AJAC can reach out to them and help get an agreement in place. If you are not currently employed, AJAC will help identify companies that are hiring and willing to sponsor a machinist apprentice.
2. Receive Employer Approval
Once your employer partners with AJAC, you’ll need their approval to enroll. This ensures the company supports your participation in the program and can provide the On-the-Job Training required.
3. Complete Enrollment with AJAC
An AJAC representative will meet with you at your workplace to complete enrollment.
Apply Today
Start by completing AJAC’s Career Navigation Form (https://www.tfaforms.com/5156413). Once we receive it, an AJAC team member will follow up, help determine employer placement, and guide you through the next steps into the Machinist Apprenticeship.
Launch a career you can grow with. Take the first step today.
About AJAC
AJAC is a nonprofit apprenticeship organization that partners with manufacturers, community colleges, and workforce agencies across Washington State. Our mission is to create hands-on pathways into advanced manufacturing careers—especially for those new to the industry.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $26.00 - $50.00 per hour
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
Salary : $26 - $50