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Machinist Institute Apprenticeship Pathway
Articulating to an Associate of Applied Science DEGREE (AAS)!
Collaborative Partnership
Machinists Institute
The Machinists Institute (MI) has collaborated with The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and Renton Technical College to explore an integrated AA degree/four-year Machinists Registered Apprenticeship.
Cross-Walking Initiative
This model identifies the required general education outcomes and credits embedded in the Related Supplemental Instruction and on-the-job training.
Ultimate Vision
The ultimate vision of this project is that apprentices that complete their apprenticeship would simultaneously earn an associate's degree and a journey card with the potential to transfer to a baccalaureate/ applied baccalaureate program.
Crosswalking the Curriculum
1
Partnership Formation
Machinists Institute and Renton Technical College, with the assistance of CAEL, began the cross-walking process with the engagement of faculty, basic ed, and workforce departments.
2
Curriculum Analysis
They were able to Crosswalk the MI Machinist apprenticeship program to the general education requirements of the AAS degree.
3
Competency Alignment
This process identified aligned competencies and opportunities to recognize the general education outcome requirements met in the apprenticeship program.
Benefits of the Partnership
Associate's Degree
The partnership provides machinist apprentices with an Associate's degree upon completing their training.
Campus Resources
Apprentices gain enhanced access to valuable resources like food pantries and computer labs on site at Renton Technical College.
Institutional Benefits
Renton also will have increased completion and placement outcomes from the apprentices.
Streamlined Education
CAEL's work in crosswalking the apprenticeship curriculum with RTC's general education requirements ensures that apprentices meet degree requirements without additional classroom time.
How we did it
1
Partnership Establishment
Machinists Institute and Renton Technical College partnered through an MOU.
2
Curriculum Review
CAEL reviewed syllabi and learning outcomes from Machinists Institute Related Supplemental Instruction and Renton Technical College's General Education Courses.
3
Alignment Adjustments
Machinists Institute adjusted syllabi, learning outcomes, and course sequencing to align with RTC's general education curriculum.
4
Crosswalk Development
CAEL developed crosswalks to align learning outcomes across the Related Supplemental Instruction and the General Education Course requirements. These crosswalks provide evidence and support for articulation.
5
RTC & MI Crosswalk review
They worked together to make final adjustments for best alignment
6
Course Number Adjustment
MI updated their course number system to align with RTC course number sequencing
7
Process Map Developed
CAEL developed a process map with MI and RTC to streamline services for apprentices between the two organizations
1st Cohort will Journey Out with an AA Degree
Spring 2026
A Scalable Model

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Expansion
This model is being expanded to other colleges in Washington State.

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Integration
It exemplifies a scalable approach to integrating workforce training and higher education.

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New Standard
The partnership sets a new standard for apprenticeship programs across the country.
Next Steps
Explore opportunities with institutions offering four year degrees for articulation and alignment to assist apprenticeship graduates continue their education to further higher education goals.