Workforce Development
Lacey MakerSpace is deeply committed to workforce development, empowering individuals with hands-on skills that lead to high-wage, high-demand careers. We serve as a hub for training, innovation, and entrepreneurship by partnering with regional organizations to strengthen the local job-skills pipeline and support both aspiring workers and growing businesses.
Our founding partners—Saint Martin’s University, the City of Lacey, and the Thurston Economic Development Council Center for Business & Innovation—prioritized workforce development from the start. That vision continues through intentional partnerships and programs designed to meet evolving industry needs.
Who's Involved
AJAC (Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships)
Lacey MakerSpace is proud to serve as a dedicated host site for AJAC, a statewide, industry-driven nonprofit specializing in advanced manufacturing apprenticeships. AJAC has delivered multiple Manufacturing Academy programs at LMS, providing participants with critical technical skills, industry exposure, and clear pathways to employment in the trades. AJAC is an industry-driven, statewide 501(c)(3) non-profit apprenticeship organization that uses LMS facilities to teach weeks-long training courses for employment training. Founded on the belief that mastery occurs on the job, their pre-apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship and adult apprenticeship participants have the opportunity to earn competitive wages, find meaningful work, and pursue lifelong learning.
Additional Collaborators
Beyond our founding partners, LMS collaborates with regional leaders such as PacMtn Workforce Development Council, the Thurston County Chamber, Impact Washington, and local high schools and colleges. These partnerships support aligned training opportunities, industry-informed program development, and greater access to hands-on learning for both students and adult learners.
The Center for Business & Innovation (CB&I) is committed to business prosperity throughout Washington state and funds LMS. By providing no-cost services and resources for entrepreneurs, business owners, and managers CB&I help LMS members looking to start a business achieve greater success.