10 Local Companies You Didn’t Know Are Offering Apprenticeships in Yakima

Briana Durham was appointed to the South Central Workforce Development Council at the Board of Yakima County Commissioners meeting on June 9th. One of the benefits of the council is providing paid apprenticeships, including some for the youth residing in Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima counties.

What to Know About Apprenticeships

• The business sponsors the apprenticeship and selects workers.
• Apprenticeships range from 2,000 hours to 10,000 hours depending on the occupation and program.
• Apprenticeships pay lower wages until the apprentice shows growth in skills and productivity.
• Apprenticeships include in-class training and mentorships.
• Apprenticeships can be either non-union or union.

Over a decade ago, I was offered a worker retraining program through the state, but I incurred a ton of student loans, so I'm grateful that there are apprenticeships out here in our region that pay. I wish I had known about apprenticeships because they allow you to learn a new trade and still be able to put food on the table without taking out massive student loans, like I had to do!

Read More: Here are Six Job Ideas for Teens Under Age 16 in Central WA

Based on the high-demand industries listed below, these ten companies are currently providing apprenticeships locally in our area.

Aerospace

• PexCo Aerospace
• Triumph Group
• CubCrafters

Agriculture

• Agri Beef
• Rankin Equipment

Food Processing

• Tree Top
• Yakima Chief Hops

Precision Metal Fabrication

• IPL Macro
• Magic Metals
• Thermoforming Systems

For more info on the Apprenticeship Program, visit scworkforce.org.