Trades & Apprenticeships

The trades provide a wide range of career pathways for young adults, and apprenticeships offer hands-on training in many of these fields. Across the nation, many trade careers are in high demand as older workers retire. Students can begin an apprenticeship during high school or pursue one after graduation. Apprenticeship programs and classes may take place at businesses, community or technical colleges, and other locations.

Is an apprenticeship good for you? Take a Quiz!
What is an apprenticeship? See VIDEO
Listen to students talk about their careers - VIDEO

Search for an Apprenticeship

Washington Career Bridge - Helps students and families search by interest and training
Apprenticeship Finder - Apprenticeships can be found through employers (businesses), schools, and other programs
Apprenticeships - Earn While You Learn - Washington State Board for Community & Technical Colleges
WA State Department of Labor & Industries - Search for apprenticeship programs by county and occupation in WA State

Other Links:

Events

Apprenticeships & Training Programs: Aerospace Manufacturing

AJAC (Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee) Program - Video

Youth Apprenticeships:

There are two registered Youth Apprenticeship programs, Production Technician (Youth) and Automation Technician (Youth), which are 2,000 hour programs designed for high school juniors and seniors to develop career-ready skills in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. These apprenticeship programs combine paid on-the-job training at an AJAC employer and college-level classroom instruction which can lead to a high school diploma, journey-level card, and short-term college certificate. Jobs include Machinist, Industrial Manufacturing Technician, Industrial Maintenance Mechanic, Tool & Die Maker, Precision Metal Fabricator, Plastic Process Technician.

AMTEC (Advanced Manufacturing Training & Education Center )

AMTEC (Advanced Manufacturing Training & Education Center - See this video!) - at Everett Community College

Students train with the latest manufacturing technologies at Everett Community College. AMTEC’s faculty teams go beyond the typical classroom environment to mentor students through hands-on, collaborative projects. AMTEC Programs: Precision Machining, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Pre-Employment, Engineering Technology/Technical Design, Composites Technician, Welding & Fabrication.

Certificates and degrees aligned to industry careers
On-site assistance for internships and employment
Exclusive industry tours and networking events
Team environment that develops collaboration and problem-solving skills
Exposure to the full manufacturing cycle: From idea to design to manufacture and testing

Goodwill’s Youth Aerospace Program

This unique program helps high school juniors and seniors prepare for a career in aerospace. This two-year program provides students with a smooth transition from high school towards college readiness. It helps build strong soft-skills and connects students with future career opportunities in the aerospace/advanced manufacturing industry. This program is held at the Snohomish County Job Training and Education Center and students take up to four quarters of aerospace/advanced manufacturing classes at Everett Community College or Renton Technical College.

Carpentry

At Northwest Carpenter’s Institute of Washington, www.nwci.org you can:

Explore and apply to apprenticeships and other careers around carpentry (millwright, Drywall Finisher/Taper, Interior Systems Carpenter, etc.)
Also, at http://carpenterhq.com/carpenter-training-in-washington you’ll see a list of academic programs. For example, Green River College’s Carpentry Technology program Seattle Central College’s Wood Technology programs offer certificates and two-year degrees.

Construction

CONSTRUCTION - Apprenticeship Guidebook (Snohomish, King, Pierce County)

ANEW Program, Information Sessions, Video

Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs at Edmonds College - FREE 10-WEEK PROGRAM
Support Services
Respectful Workplace Diversity and Equity
Gender equity in Apprenticeship - Women in Construction VIDEO, VIDEO
Youth Programs
Scholarships

AED Foundation Program offers the Construction Career Aptitude Test, which middle and high school students and families use to gauge and learn knowledge about construction industry skills like measurement, mechanical reasoning, general mathematics, and basic electrical. Take the test above if you, family, and teacher want to find your strengths and weaknesses, which will help prepare for the construction field.

Electrician

Northwest Washington Electrical Industry JATC (nwejatc.org) is a cooperative effort of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Apprenticeships here pay while you learn in a challenging, dynamic, and expanding industry. Apprentices will have journeyman electricians supervise their training.

To Qualify:

Be 18 years old and high school graduate or GED (2500 minimum score) or 2-year associate degree
One full credit of high school algebra (or equivalent) with a grade of C or better
Valid Driver License
Obtain qualifying score on AIR Apprentice Selection Test Battery test (Algebra & Reading Comprehension)

Manufacturing

AJAC (Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee) Program

Youth Apprenticeships: There are two registered Youth Apprenticeship programs, Production Technician (Youth) and Automation Technician (Youth), which are 2,000 hour programs designed for high school juniors and seniors to develop career-ready skills in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. These apprenticeship programs combine paid on-the-job training at an AJAC employer and college-level classroom instruction which can lead to a high school diploma, journey-level card, and short-term college certificate. Future jobs include: Machinist, Industrial Manufacturing Technician, Industrial Maintenance Mechanic, Tool & Die Maker, Precision Metal Fabricator, Plastic Process Technician.

WATR (Washington Aerospace Training & Research Center (https://washingtonaerospace.com/)

Connected with Edmonds College this local facility near Boeing (Everett) trains students to learn multiple aspects of the aerospace industry in 12-week courses and certificate programs. With financial assistance and many jobs related to these courses, WATR is a good training place. Apply today!!

Marine Manufacturing & Technology

The Maritime industry is wide-ranging and has many careers and local training programs. Careers include Electricians, Welders, Machinists, Painters, Carpenters, HVAC Technicians, Mechanics, Plumbers, Pipe Fitters, Deck Hands, Captain, Marine Engineers, Marine Architects, Riggers, Pilots, Mates, Quality Assurance Technicians.

Go to workforcesnohomish/maritime/ to see local maritime training programs at:

Seattle Maritime Academy at Seattle Central College
Center for Wooden Boats – Job Skills Training
Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building
Marine Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies
Skagit Valley College
Northwest Maritime Center

Plumbing

At https://careerschoolnow.org/careers/plumber is a good outline of how to begin plumber training. To first become a trainee go to https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/plumbing/plumber-certification/ to learn more.

As a plumber’s trainee, you will work under the direct supervision of a certified plumber and learn through on-the-job training. Once you have the required experience and education, you can take the plumber exam to become a certified specialty or journey level plumber. You can contact plumbing businesses and unions in your area or in Washington State to find more possibilities.