PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs announced a workforce development program Thursday.hat offers Maricopa Community College students interested in the semiconductor industry a training program that simulates real-world experiences.
Both universities will partner with the Arizona Department of Commerce on this program.
Susan Bitter-Smith, president of the district’s board of directors, said: Friday’s Arizona Morning News on KTAR News 92.3FM to discuss what the new program will entail.
“We are very excited about this program,” Bitter-Smith said. “This is a completely new training program, and with these new grants from the ACA and the Governor’s Office, we will be providing full-scale models, clean rooms that will provide training for manufacturing floor technicians, maintenance repair technicians, and many other jobs. ” is essential to meeting Arizona’s growing demand for semiconductors. ”
The program receives input from industry partners such as Intel, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, and XP to ensure the training simulates a real manufacturing center. According to Bitter Smith, the expectation is that new graduates will have a smooth transition into roles at these companies.
Why do we need semiconductor training?
TSMC is a better-known name among chipmakers, receiving $6.6 billion in subsidies for 20,000 construction jobs and 6,000 high-wage manufacturing jobs in Phoenix. The money came from CHIPS and the Science Act to support the construction of three factories to make chips used in smartphones, cars and other electronic devices.
More chipmakers could come to the Valley for business, Bitter Smith said. These local manufacturers are It called on domestic chip suppliers to ensure that a potential new global chip shortage does not impact the U.S. economy.
“We predict nearly 115,000 additional jobs will be created in the region by 2030. We also know that semiconductors are Arizona’s second-largest export at approximately $3.5 billion. ,” Bitter Smith said.
More information about the MCCCD Semiconductor Training Program
Bitter-Smith said the credits students earn in the semiconductor training program can be transferred to any of Arizona’s public universities. Maricopa Community College District is one of the largest community college districts in the nation and now offers bachelor’s degrees in a variety of other majors.
New semiconductor program will be located at Gateway Central City CampusHowever, there are currently a variety of semiconductor training programs taking place throughout the Valley within the University District.
“This particular manufacturing program will be ready to start in early 2027. We will need to build the facility, which will be a complete state-of-the-art mock cleanroom and will help with the training process,” Bittar said.・Mr. Smith said. .
Those interested in the semiconductor training offered at MCCCD can find information on the website.
