Published July 17, 2026

Zach Jovanovich went from machinist apprentice to senior operations manager by using mentorship and hands-on training.

“Have grace for yourself,” Zach Jovanovich tells teammates he mentors. The approach shaped his path from machinist apprentice to senior operations manager on second shift in Emergent Operations at our Auburn, Wash., fabrication site.

Zach Jovanovich, senior operations manager on second shift in Emergent Operations.

With about 20 years in manufacturing and Boeing apprenticeship training, Zach took the senior operations manager role to give second shift direct access to shop floor knowledge and translate that knowledge into practical fixes that reduce rework and speed recovery from disruptions.

“The apprenticeship gave me an opportunity to learn a little bit about every corner of this building and skills to build on,” he said. That hands-on view helps him spot root causes and resolve issues quickly, and it lets him support suppliers and the factory team more effectively.

Why apprenticeship programs matter

  • Leaders who come up through apprenticeship programs gain valuable business knowledge and context that speeds problem solving, keeps quality steady and develops the next generation of talent.
  • Apprentices learn the full production process, from receiving materials to shipping products.
  • Practical experience supports retention and aligns with our priorities for safety, quality and talent development.

Bridging shifts: Swing shift or second-shift describes a work schedule for employees that begin their shift at mid-day, often around 1 to 3 p.m. In the swing shift role Zach showcases his team’s second shift contributions, creating cohesion across first and second shift teams and building direct lines to first shift resources and suppliers; and using those relationships to coordinate targeted support and fixes that resolve off hour problems quickly.

“Authenticity is the currency of leadership,” he said. “It’s fine to say you don’t know something or to apologize when you mess up. When you’re yourself, it helps the team feel comfortable asking questions and learning.”

Jovanovich with his mentee, Mikey Alinger, a first line operations manager in Fabrication Emergent Operations, Auburn, Wash. (Jovanovich photo)

Why mentorship matters

“Zach gave me a shot and has been willing to help develop me further,” said Mikey Alinger, first-line operations manager. “I’ve been asking a lot of questions and really trying to draw from the experience that he has.”

Shaping leadership skills

 Zach credits the apprenticeship’s selective, hands-on curriculum and his later role as an instructor for sharpening his coaching skills. He also cited mentors and tuition assistance through our Learning Together Program tuition assistance for helping to further his career. He’s using the program to complete his master’s in organizational leadership at Gonzaga University and recently began working towards his private pilot’s license.

Zach Jovanovich at his graduation ceremony; official graduation scheduled for September. (Jovanovich photo)

What's next

Zach plans to expand formal mentorship on second shift, launch regular cross-shift problem-solving sessions with first-shift leaders, and track outcomes such as reduced rework and faster supplier response.

Jovanovich with the airplane he is training to pilot. (Jovanovich photo)