MILPITAS, CA – SEMI, in partnership with Ignited Education, Foothill College and Krause Center for Innovation, has won a $1 million California Apprenticeship Initiative New and Innovative Grant for the development of a semiconductor pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship program to expand the pathway to careers in the microelectronics industry.

The SEMI Foundation and its partners will develop the industry career training program to be offered by California community colleges and ultimately schools in other states. The program will connect CAI partners with SEMI member companies to define job competencies that shape the coursework.

The CAI funding will support the SEMI Foundation’s work to build the SEMI Career and Apprenticeship Network (SCAN) aimed at helping overcome the US microelectronics industry’s talent shortage as the federal government continues to invest in apprenticeships. The grant also supports the foundation’s efforts to promote a more inclusive workforce. SCAN will offer training that equips workers with the technical skills needed to enter high-demand, entry-level jobs in the microelectronics industry. It will also expand the pool of skilled workers for hiring companies.

“Securing the CAI funding is a key step in building out SCAN as we work to develop a national apprenticeship network, recruit more people of color and women to the industry, and create industry credentials recognized nationwide,” said Shari Liss, executive director, SEMI Foundation. “We look forward to continuing the vital work with our partners to expand access to jobs across the semiconductor industry and enable more people to enter rewarding careers.”

Foothill College will develop coursework covering the competencies for high-need positions in the microelectronics industry. Complementing the work of Foothill College, Ignited and the Krause Center for Innovation will create middle school foundations and high school pre-apprenticeship programs featuring engaging student experiences and teacher-training workshops.

“Talent pipelines are powerful,” said Jeff Schmidt, CEO, Ignited. “They open new doors, offer experiences that shape us, and provide role models that inspire our career choices. SCAN will build a strong, compelling pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship pipeline that will change the lives of students and families that need it most. We’re proud to support the SEMI Foundation and this amazing group of partners who are doing such critical work for the microelectronics industry.”

"Foothill College is proud to partner with SEMI,” said Chris Allen, Dean of Apprenticeship Programs, Foothill College. “This is an exciting opportunity for our faculty to collaborate with the microelectronics industry to help align work competencies with curriculum development. We look forward to building this new and innovative apprenticeship pathway at this crucial time in the redevelopment of the US semiconductor manufacturing industry.”

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