In a significant move to bolster Arizona’s position as a leading semiconductor hub, Governor Katie Hobbs, in collaboration with Intel and the Arizona Commerce Authority, announced the launch of a groundbreaking apprenticeship program for manufacturing facility technicians. This initiative marks Intel’s first U.S. registered apprenticeship program and aims to train dozens of apprentices over the next five years.
The program is designed to connect Arizonans to lucrative jobs in the burgeoning semiconductor industry, reinforcing the state’s commitment to workforce development. Governor Hobbs emphasized the importance of this initiative in a recent press release, stating, “Since 1979, Intel has been a true partner in growing together, and making our state the thriving and prosperous place it is today. 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.”
The apprenticeship program is a collaborative effort involving the SEMI Foundation, Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, Maricopa Community Colleges, and the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board. It is backed by a $4 million investment from the State of Arizona, underscoring the state’s commitment to fostering economic growth and job creation.
Selected apprentices will join Intel as full-time employees from day one, earning a certificate and college credit upon successful completion of the one-year program. This initiative not only provides immediate employment opportunities but also equips participants with the skills and credentials necessary for long-term career advancement in the semiconductor industry.
The announcement comes on the heels of Phoenix breaking San Francisco’s long-standing dominance of SEMICON West, the premier microelectronics exhibition in the country. Additionally, Maricopa County was recently named the best county in America for economic development, further highlighting the region’s robust economic landscape.
Governor Hobbs has prioritized several workforce development programs to ensure that working families in Arizona have ample opportunities to thrive. These include the Arizona Community College Workforce Scholarship Program, the BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative, and the Future48 Workforce Accelerator Program. Each of these initiatives plays a crucial role in creating a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of Arizona’s rapidly expanding economy.
The partnership between Intel and the State of Arizona is a testament to the power of collaboration between government, industry, education, and community leaders. This apprenticeship program not only strengthens Arizona’s semiconductor workforce but also provides a model for other states to follow in developing similar programs to support their economic growth. As the program gears up to welcome its first cohort of apprentices, the future looks bright for Arizona’s workforce and its position in the global semiconductor market. Governor Hobbs’s leadership and vision continue to pave the way for innovative solutions that benefit all Arizonans.
