Career & Technical Education Drives Kent Valley Advanced Manufacturing Success

Kent Valley, WA, is a global leader in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, built by a dynamic legacy of innovation, trade, infrastructure and prime industrial land in the Seattle region. However, access to a large, diverse, highly skilled workforce with advanced technical expertise sets it apart as a target destination.

Career and technical education (CTE) drives continued regional economic development, equitable job growth and economic impact.  Critical collaboration exists between area companies and secondary schools, college institutions, and private partners to ensure that progress occurs. Kent Valley Economic Development is proud to be an intermediary that facilitates that collaboration.

"As a global hub for aerospace and advanced manufacturing, the Kent Valley region requires a skilled workforce possessing the expertise and flexibility to meet the needs of cutting-edge industries,” said William Ellis, City of Kent Chief Economic Development Officer. “Strong partnerships between local educational institutions are necessary to develop individuals for high-demand careers, driving innovation, and fostering job growth. Career and Technical Education initiatives are integral in shaping Kent Valley as a top business destination while providing equitable opportunities for our community to thrive."       

Partnering for the benefit of all

One regional organization heavily involved in educational partnerships with area businesses is AJAC: Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships, which seeks to strengthen the potential of the existing workforce through registered apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships,  and apprenticeship preparation programs. These programs offer a structured pathway for businesses to train and upskill their incumbent employees, ensuring a pipeline of skilled workers tailored to their specific needs.

Across its entire service area, AJAC incorporates more than 60 part-time instructors, many with critical experience as active industry professionals. They provide relevant training in 13 high-demand apprenticeship programs, serving around 400 apprentices annually across 300+ companies and partnering with 12 community and technical colleges. These efforts provide students with real-world experience and help businesses develop a pipeline of skilled workers, contributing to the community's economic vitality.

The potential for various manufacturing companies in the Kent Valley area to partner with AJAC is tremendous, said Amy Suter, AJAC Director of Business Engagement. “While the most common employers we work with are in aerospace and food processing, AJAC is open to working with any company in any manufacturing sector,” she said. “One example is a new program we are preparing for machine operators, which can be used by both food and non-food companies.”

The AJAC Adult Apprenticeship Program offers tremendous advantages to Kent Valley companies operating in critical sectors like aerospace, space exploration, advanced manufacturing and food manufacturing. Incumbent workers receive structured, paid on-the-job training while advancing their career opportunities. Employers can train and upskill their employees to meet the needs their operations and goals demand. 

The cost for employers to participate in AJAC programs presents an extremely attractive proposition. AJAC receives about half of its revenue from state funding based on enrolled apprentices, with the remainder coming from various grants. As a result, employers do not pay to partner with AJAC, but they are responsible for their apprentices' wages, which typically increase as skills improve. Apprentices pay a quarterly fee, though many employers cover this cost and textbooks. Additionally, AJAC partners with an organization offering financial aid to apprentices, potentially providing them around $1,200 per quarter for various expenses.

AJAC has other apprenticeship programs that also hold promise for the Kent Valley. Its Manufacturing Academy is Washington's first advanced manufacturing apprenticeship preparation program, serving nearly 1,600 students with a 92% employment rate. The 10-week, no-cost program provides job seekers with foundational manufacturing skills, including math, blueprint reading, interview techniques, and intro to machining and maintenance. Upon completion, AJAC's Career Navigation team connects these graduates with local employers who partner with AJAC for their adult apprenticeship program.

AJAC also partners with 15 school districts across the state to offer high school students the opportunity to start and complete an apprenticeship before they graduate. The Youth Apprenticeship helps students earn high school diplomas, gain paid work experience, and pursue higher education at little to no cost. High school juniors and seniors participate in 2,000 hours of skill development geared toward the advanced manufacturing industry, specifically automation and production technicians. The combination of paid on-the-job training and college-level classroom instruction leads to a high school diploma, journey-level certification and college certificate or credits.

Regional collaboration

In addition to AJAC, Kent Valley Economic Development is proud to partner with numerous area post-secondary educational institutions to foster that link between individuals seeking rewarding careers and employers willing to invest in their development.

Renton Technical College offers various career training programs, bachelor's degrees and college preparatory courses. Apprenticeships are a critical aspect of many of these programs, with staff serving over 1500 apprentices annually through Advanced Manufacturing, Culinary Arts, Transportation Technology, and other industry sectors. Individuals receive classroom and on-the-job training in various formats, resulting in associate degrees and journey-level certificates where applicable. 

Other institutions include:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which provides certificate and associate degree programs focused on careers in aeronautics and aviation maintenance among its wide range of degree options.

From its Auburn and Kent campuses, Green River College offers basic and pre-college classes, as well as courses leading to associate and bachelor’s degrees in a wide range of industry-related fields. Additionally, the College works with employers to develop customized training to enhance required job skills and professional education.

Highline College has various certificate programs marked for achievement, proficiency, or completion, leading students toward the opportunity for immediate career growth or working toward further degree programs.

Power your business with proven regional partnerships

Kent Valley Economic Development works closely with industry leaders and expert area partners to support workforce development. Contact us to learn more about these connections to help you reach your business goals.