The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee, the cities of Enumclaw and Black Diamond, the Enumclaw School District and area employers will host an all-day event Sept. 30 at Enumclaw High School.

These organizations are formally announcing an effort to link students with future employment through the launch of AJAC’s machining apprenticeship program at Enumclaw High’s multi-trade machine shop. AJAC started the machining apprenticeship program in April of this year to address growing local demand for skilled workers in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Through this partnership, AJAC has provided $150,000 in equipment, supplies and machine shop reconfiguration services.

The effort aims to create a bridge between K-12 schooling and the workplace. The collaboration gives students the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the skilled trades and provide employers the opportunity to build a highly skilled workforce.

The day’s agenda is as follows:

• 8 to 9 a.m. – Enumclaw High School assembly for students, staff and presenters only;

• 9:15 to 2:30 p.m. – Tours of local area manufacturing companies,  for students only;

• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Open house with ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours of the EHS multi-trade machine shop, open to the community.

The morning assembly is offered to make students aware of the benefits of becoming an apprentice, including: working a full-time job while training with a mentor; earning a paycheck with benefits; attending hands-on classes one night per week; earning a Journey-Level Certificate within two to four years – enabling them to work anywhere in the U.S. as a master tradesperson and earning credit towards an associate’s degree.

Enumclaw High School will open its doors in the evening to host a ceremony in the new multi-trade machine shop, formerly the agricultural shop, and provide tours. During the ceremony, attendees will hear from Deputy King County Executive Fred Jarrett, Enumclaw Mayor Liz Reynolds, Enumclaw School District Superintendent Mike Nelson, AJAC Executive Director Laura Hopkins, AJAC Machining Instructor Duane Stephens and others.