Intel and Gov. Katie Hobbs announced the company is launching its first U.S. registered apprenticeship program for manufacturing facility technicians in collaboration with the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), SEMI Foundation, Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, Maricopa Community Colleges, and the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board.
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Intel plans to train dozens of facility technician apprentices over the next five years. Selected apprentices will be full-time Intel employees on day one and will earn a certificate and college credit upon successful completion of the one-year program.
“Since 1979, Intel has been a true partner in growing together, and making our state the thriving and prosperous place it is today,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “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.”
“Facility technicians are especially difficult to find,” said Christy Pambianchi, Intel Chief People Officer. “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 one-year registered apprenticeship program will involve a mix of classroom instruction and on-the-job training in partnership with the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD). Participants will be hired as Intel employees as they learn the core competencies needed for manufacturing facility technicians, including hand-tool basics with mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic and vacuum systems; electrical basics and electronics; handling of chemicals and gases. Intel’s apprenticeship program provides more technical skills than other opportunities within the industry, focusing on hands-on skills in gas and chemical facility training.
“Intel’s announcement reinforces Arizona’s position as the home of America’s semiconductor resurgence,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “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.”
Expanding semiconductor apprentices
In November, Governor Hobbs announced the allocation of $4 million to facilitate expansion of semiconductor apprenticeships in Arizona. The funds will cover costs such as tuition books, materials, and supplies for participating apprentices as well as wraparound support services, such as transportation and childcare.
SEMI Foundation will leverage funding to conduct outreach to employers, assist in the establishment of new apprenticeship programs, and develop an employer collaborative to leverage shared resources and best practices.
“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,” said Shari Liss, Executive Director of the SEMI Foundation. “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 participating in a registered apprenticeship program can reach out to SEMI Foundation at semiscan.org/arizona or scanaz@semi.org.
Advancing Arizona’s robust training pipeline
Industry reports outline an ongoing demand for new semiconductor talent, with the greatest projected demand occurring in technician roles, most of which require certificates or two-year degrees.
Apprenticeships offer a practical and effective way to train individuals for these roles, benefiting both individuals and organizations. Apprentices gain valuable skills, experience and industry-specific knowledge, leading to improved career opportunities and contributing to a more skilled and competitive workforce. Apprenticeships are a way to attract diverse talent with greater-than-average retention, with 90% of apprentices staying at their employer after program completion.
Arizona’s innovative workforce development programs include the nationally-recognized Semiconductor Technician Quick Start Program, launched by Intel and Maricopa Community Colleges with the support of the ACA. Since launching in 2022, the 10-day, 40-hour boot camp taught by industry professionals has trained and certified over 900 students for careers in the semiconductor industry.
Additional initiatives include Arizona’s semiconductor Future48 Workforce Accelerator, which Governor Hobbs announced in partnership with Maricopa Community Colleges. Training at the state-of-the-art facility in Maricopa County will take place in close collaboration with semiconductor industry partners, establishing first-of-their-kind training pathways to help more Arizonans enter the microelectronics industry.
In addition, the ACA has invested $100 million in Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona to strengthen semiconductor infrastructure and workforce development. Read more about those investments HERE.
