Intel Initiates Pioneering Apprenticeship Program for Technicians in Arizona
PHOENIX, AZ (July 15, 2024) – A significant development is underway as Intel collaborates with Arizona’s key organizations and Governor Hobbs to introduce its inaugural U.S. registered apprenticeship for manufacturing facility technicians. This initiative is supported by the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), SEMI Foundation, Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, Maricopa Community Colleges, and the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board.
The program is set to nurture dozens of facility technician apprentices over the forthcoming five years. Upon their selection, the apprentices will immediately assume full-time roles at Intel. The program, lasting one year, will award participants with a certificate and college credits upon its completion.
Governor Katie Hobbs remarked, Since 1979, Intel has been a true partner in growing together, and making our state the thriving and prosperous place it is today. That partnership continues as Intel launches its first ever U.S. registered apprenticeship program for manufacturing facility technicians. This apprenticeship represents much more than just another program, it’s a bridge for middle-class Arizonans to enter our state’s fast-growing semiconductor industry and launch a career with limitless potential. I am proud to bring together government, industry, education, and community leaders to help launch this worthwhile collaboration.
Christy Pambianchi, Intel’s Chief People Officer, highlighted the challenge of finding skilled facility technicians, noting, Facility technicians are especially difficult to find. There is a much smaller pool of trained applicants with this specific skill set. The Intel apprenticeship program addresses this challenge by expanding the semiconductor talent pipeline and providing critical support structures, especially needed for women and underrepresented groups, to help meet the workforce demand of the future.
The apprenticeship will blend classroom instruction with practical training, in partnership with the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD). Participants will be equipped with essential skills for facility technician roles, including proficiency in mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and vacuum systems, as well as electrical and chemical handling expertise. Intel’s program places a strong emphasis on hands-on skills, particularly in gas and chemical facility training.
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, stated, Intel’s announcement reinforces Arizona’s position as the home of America’s semiconductor resurgence. Apprenticeships represent a key step in our semiconductor talent pipeline. We expect this program to be the first of many in Arizona, and thank all of our partners for their continued support and collaboration.
Expansion of Semiconductor Apprenticeships
In a bid to fortify Arizona’s semiconductor workforce, Governor Hobbs announced a $4 million allocation. This funding aims to cover tuition, materials, and support services like transportation and childcare for apprentices.
The SEMI Foundation will utilize this funding to enhance employer outreach, foster new apprenticeship programs, and establish collaborations for resource sharing and best practices. Shari Liss, Executive Director of the SEMI Foundation, expressed enthusiasm, SEMI Foundation is thrilled to partner with The Arizona Commerce Authority, our member companies, and local workforce development partners to create quality jobs for Arizona residents and to help the Arizona economy thrive. Registered apprenticeships are a proven model to bring economic opportunity to people from all backgrounds, and we are excited to support this collaborative model in the state.
Companies interested in joining the registered apprenticeship program can connect with the SEMI Foundation through semiscan.org/arizona or via email at [email protected].
Strengthening Arizona’s Training Pipeline
Ongoing industry reports highlight a persistent need for new semiconductor personnel, with technician roles, often necessitating certificates or associate degrees, being in high demand.
Apprenticeships stand out as a practical strategy for grooming individuals for these roles, offering skills, experience, and specialized knowledge that bolster career prospects and enhance workforce competitiveness. Notably, 90% of apprentices remain with their employer post-program.
Arizona’s workforce development initiatives feature the acclaimed Semiconductor Technician Quick Start Program, a collaboration between Intel and Maricopa Community Colleges, with ACA’s support. Launched in 2022, this boot camp has trained over 900 students for semiconductor industry careers.
Further efforts include the semiconductor Future48 Workforce Accelerator, announced by Governor Hobbs in partnership with Maricopa Community Colleges. This facility will offer pioneering training pathways in collaboration with industry partners, preparing more Arizonans for the microelectronics sector.
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