Where are you from, Travis, and how long have you been with Tool Gauge?

I was born and raised in Spanaway, Washington and I’ve been with Tool Gauge full-time for three and a half years now.

 

You’re currently in the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) adult apprenticeship program with a focus on Tool and Die, what interested you most about this type of apprenticeship and career path? When did you decide to join?

The Tool and Die apprenticeship attracted me because I really like working with the manual machines like the lathes, mills, and grinders. I find it interesting how a simple block of material can be turned into a very complex part with very tight tolerances – a challenge of sorts that keeps your mind . It’s very hands on instead of letting the machine run the program after pushing a few buttons.

After about two years of working at Tool Gauge, I decided it was better for me to join the apprenticeship program to learn more skill for the trade instead of only relying on, on-the-job training to advance my career.

 

How long is the apprenticeship and what are your plans after graduating?

In total, the apprenticeship is five years with 15 classes total. I’m currently almost done with my first year of the apprenticeship. After graduating, I plan to continue working at Tool Gauge and hopefully working on more complex jobs around the shop.

 

Tell us what a typical day looks like for you as an adult apprentice and what type of classes you’re currently enrolled in.

My work schedule is typically from 6:00 am – 4:30 pm then I head to class from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Classes are one day a week depending on professor availability – this quarter, classes are on Wednesdays. When I don’t have class, I usually head to the gym and get some homework done before falling asleep. As far as classes, I’ve already taken Shop Algebra and Blue Print Reading. I’m on my third class of the program which is Shop Geometry. We’re learning the basics of geometry and how to incorporate it into our typical work day.

 

Your dad works at Tool Gauge, has he been a mentor during your apprenticeship?

He has been a huge influence with my decision making. Working with my father goes pretty smoothly most of the time. He treats me just like another employee when we’re at work. It’s nice to have him as a boss because I’ve learned the value of taking my time on jobs to make sure what I’m doing is correct and precise. He is always trying to show me different ways to use machines or tools, “try using this, this way” or “maybe this would be more comfortable using it like this.” Him along with all the other guys in our department are very knowledgeable and can help with any questions I have.

 

Would you recommend an adult apprenticeship with AJAC?

I definitely would recommend joining an apprenticeship program. It’s a great program to learn about all the little things that go into the trade like knowing what type of metals you’re working with, how to program a machine, and even how to use basic math in everyday work.