When did you make the decision to become an apprentice, Raquel?

I decided to become an apprentice at age 16 at the beginning of my sophomore year at Stadium High School in Tacoma. It was after my old engineer design teacher Mr. Reher introduced me to The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee’s (AJAC) and their training programs to see if this would be something that I would be interested in. These programs sounded like a really cool training alternative, especially the way they are structured – apprentices receive on-the-job training during the day at a local company’s job site and take classes one night a week at a community or technical college. So I decided to go for it!

 

Which specific AJAC apprenticeship program attracted you the most at the time?

I chose the aerospace-oriented production technician program which is specifically designed for high school students ages 16 and 17 who are looking to advance their skill set, knowledge, and understanding of advanced manufacturing. The job duties of a Production Technician is to set up, test, and adjust advanced manufacturing machinery or equipment, using a combination of electrical, electronic, mechanic, hydraulic, pneumatic, or computer technologies. Production Technicians work hands on with computer-aided design (CAD), as well as analytical and scientific software. I liked how the program gives high schoolers like me the opportunity to learn and enhance their knowledge in a variety of machining and manufacturing techniques. I also was attracted to the idea that I was going to learn basic manual and CNC machining, including shop knowledge and blue print reading.

 

How long is the apprenticeship?

This is a two-year program and I am currently in my second year. I will graduate in June 2019 with a Technician Operator certificate, as well as graduate from high school at the same time. By the time I complete my apprenticeship, I will have spent a year and three months at Tool Gauge altogether and received 2,000 hours of training in precision metal manufacturing which is pretty amazing.

 

What attracted you to Tool Gauge specifically?

In addition to the opportunity to learn with a local leading-edge aerospace manufacturing company, for me it is about the people who work there. I remember meeting Tool Gauge’s Metals Operations Manager Clint Folyer for the first time and how he had a really nice attitude with genuine care for his team. I remember him saying that the company was not too big, but big enough to do both production and unique jobs. Now that I work in Tool Gauge’s metals division, it’s exciting to be able to say that I manufacture parts that go into airplanes.

 

What are your plans after completing your apprenticeship?

I hope to work as a Technician Operator first. After that, all the skills and work experience I will have acquired will help me reach my ultimate career goal which is to become an aerospace engineer.

 

What is it like to be an apprentice and would you recommend this program to others?

Being an apprentice is a lot of fun and I really enjoy what I do. It is not easy sometimes because you have to juggle work and school, but I know it is worth it in the end because this work experience will help me understand the industrial and mechanical aspects that I need for a future career in aerospace engineering. I would recommend this program to young people who are eager to learn and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. Youth apprenticeship programs are also a great alternative to a four-year university degree and can lead to fulfilling and rewarding careers.