Meet Tool Gauge apprentice Jacqueline Espinoza, Lincoln High School senior and Aerospace Joint Apprentice Committee (AJAC) apprentice.

 

When did you decide to become an apprentice and what sparked the idea that led you to join the AJAC apprenticeship program?

I decided to become an apprentice during my junior year of high school after my engineering design teacher, Mr. Reher, informed me about the program. After weighing out the pros and cons, I decided it would be a great opportunity for me.

 

What are your courses like at AJAC and are you able to apply what you’ve learned through their courses to school work?

My courses at AJAC are very hands-on and put my brain to work. I’m able to apply the math used at my AJAC class to my real high school math class.

 

 

Describe a typical day in the life of a production technician apprentice?

A typical day in the life for me a production technician involves waking up early for school. After school, I go home and get ready for my work shift at 3 pm. After work, I go home and get my homework done for school and my AJAC class. On Tuesdays my schedule changes instead of work, after school I attend my AJAC class from 3:30 – 7 pm where I practice and learn skills to be more successful in my apprenticeship.

 

What has been your favorite part about your apprenticeship and being part of the AJAC program?

My favorite part about my apprenticeship and being part of the AJAC program is knowing that I’m working in an industry I love and learning new things every day while being surrounded by people who support me.

 

What are you currently working on at Tool Gauge and are you able to apply what you’ve learned at AJAC or school to your TG work?

I am currently working on learning how to set up CNC machines for jobs on my own. I’m able to apply what I learn at my AJAC class to Tool Gauge work, for example, having learned how to read and use measuring tools correctly helps me measure parts precisely to ensure a quality part has been produced. One day, I hope to work with the biggest machine in the Tool Gauge shop.

 

 

How have your AJAC teachers and Tool Gauge supervisors helped you throughout your apprenticeship so far?

My AJAC teacher and Tool Gauge supervisors have helped me tremendously throughout my apprenticeship. My teacher teaches me to understand the machining basic skills needed while my supervisors help me put into action those skills I’ve learned through hands-on machining. My supervisors also have supported me with being flexible with school and family.

 

What are some of your plans for after completing your apprenticeship and/or high school?

My plan after completing high school and apprenticeship is to go to Washington State University to get my bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.