Intel’s bold move in Arizona: Revolutionizing the semiconductor industry with new apprenticeship

Intel has unveiled its first U.S.-based apprenticeship program for manufacturing facility technicians, partnering with several Arizona organizations, including the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board, the SEMI Foundation, Maricopa Community Colleges District, and Fresh Start Women’s Foundation. The initiative aims to bolster the semiconductor workforce by training facility technicians at Intel’s Arizona operations over the next five years.

Christy Pambianchi, Intel’s Chief People Officer, emphasized the necessity of the program, noting the limited pool of skilled technicians capable of managing the sophisticated machinery used in semiconductor production. “Intel’s new apprenticeship program addresses this challenge by providing hands-on training in our fabs, expanding the semiconductor talent pipeline to help meet the workforce demand of the future,” Pambianchi stated.

The significance of this initiative is underscored by projections from the Semiconductor Industry Association, which estimates nearly 115,000 new jobs in the sector by 2030, with a significant portion at risk of remaining unfilled due to skills shortages. Intel’s program directly addresses these gaps by offering practical, on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction, focusing on essential competencies like hand-tool usage, electrical basics, chemical handling, and critical thinking skills.

Participants in the one-year program will be employed full-time by Intel from day one, earning both a certificate and college credits upon completion. This approach not only provides valuable skills but also enhances job retention, with 90% of apprentices remaining with their employers post-program.

Intel’s commitment extends beyond individual programs. Over the past five years, the company has invested over $250 million in academic collaborations. These efforts include partnerships with community colleges and nonprofits across Arizona, Oregon, and New Mexico, and more recently, the launch of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges’ Semiconductor Collaboration network. These programs support the semiconductor industry’s growing employment needs and foster interest in technology careers among under-resourced communities.

Additionally, Intel’s AI for Workforce Program, a unique initiative in community colleges, offers extensive AI training and resources, further contributing to workforce development.

Looking forward, Intel plans to leverage potential CHIPS and Science Act funding to expand its apprenticeship model to other U.S. locations, continuing its drive to develop a skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce capable of advancing the semiconductor industry and sustaining technological innovation.