Maricopa County Community College District announced it has been selected as a recipient of the National Semiconductor Technology Center Workforce Partner Alliance Program.
The $1.7 million grant will enable MCCCD to continue leading an innovative workforce development program in Arizona, aimed at closing critical workforce and skills gaps across the U.S. semiconductor industry. This is explained in the press release.
MCCCD Board Chair Dr. Steven R. Gonzalez said in a release that since 2018, job growth in Arizona's semiconductor industry has increased by 22%. He said there are more than 200 semiconductor companies in Arizona, and he knows the state will continue to be a center of innovation and the need for a skilled workforce will increase.
“Thanks to our existing program offerings and key industry partnerships, MCCCD is uniquely positioned to meet the industry's rapidly changing workforce demands,” said Gonzalez.
She said the funding will not only strengthen its current program offerings, but also provide training opportunities to a diverse group of learners, including women, students of color, and first-generation college students. As a result, it will be possible to develop a more diverse and qualified workforce. labor force.
The WFPA program is managed by Natcast, a dedicated nonprofit organization created to administer the NSTC consortium established by the U.S. government's CHIPS and Science Act.
On Sept. 25, Natcast announced total WFPA awards of $11.5 million in conjunction with the launch of the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence, the release states.
It is currently offered at three of the system's 10 colleges: Chandler Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, and Mesa Community College. With funding from Natcast, MCCCD will expand Semiconductor Technician Quick Start Training to Glendale Community College, ensuring geographic reach for individuals. We are looking for training throughout the Valley.
In addition, MCCCD will develop and deliver Maricopa Accelerated Semiconductor Training, a stackable course that supports high-demand engineer-level positions identified in the industry.
As the state's largest workforce training provider, MCCCD's program expansion will prepare an additional 300 people for careers as semiconductor engineers in Arizona's booming semiconductor industry, adding to the region's growing skilled workforce. This will meet the growing demand for semiconductors and strengthen Arizona's position as a global semiconductor leader.
Leah Palmer, executive director of MCCCD's Arizona Advanced Manufacturing Institute, said in the release that MCCCD plays an important role in advancing Arizona's position as a world leader in semiconductor manufacturing. Ta.
“Our semiconductor engineer quick start and future MAST initiatives demonstrate our deep commitment to meeting immediate industry demands and building a sustainable talent pipeline for the future,” said Palmer. said.
As part of this effort, MCCCD will work with the Arizona Department of Economic Opportunity and the Arizona Department of Commerce to ensure training is tailored to industry needs.
This industry-driven approach will provide participants with valuable opportunities for employment and career advancement in the semiconductor industry and help employers meet critical workforce needs, according to the release.
“This award is a victory for Arizona as the state continues to lead the nation in job growth. Development is a top priority and we are honored to partner with the state in this important effort to build a skilled workforce to power Arizona's growing semiconductor industry,” said OEO Director Carlos Contreras. . release.
The WFPA program is the first of several workforce program funding opportunities to be offered through the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence.
Following a $250 million investment from the U.S. Department of Commerce, WCoE will lead collaborations with NSTC consortium members to drive innovation and significantly strengthen the U.S. semiconductor workforce development ecosystem to improve the U.S. It will strengthen national security, the economy and global competitiveness, the release said.
“WFPA funding will create opportunities for thousands of students, educators, and professionals to join the U.S. semiconductor workforce, providing employers with in-demand talent and positioning the United States as a leader in this important industry. It will solidify that,” said Michael Burns, senior manager of workforce development. Natcast's program is described in the release.
In 2023, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, in collaboration with MCCCD, announced the creation of a new Future48 Workforce Accelerator focused on semiconductors. Opening in 2026 on Gateway Community College's Central City campus, this state-of-the-art facility will establish a first-of-its-kind training pathway for students to pursue careers in the microelectronics industry.
If you would like to learn more, please visit: www.natcast.org/workforce.
