SEMI is Awarded a $1 Million Grant for Microelectronics Apprenticeship

SEMI is an industry association that includes a variety of companies working within the electronics design and manufacturing industries. The organization recently partnered with Ignited Education, Foothill College, and Krause Center for Innovation and as a result, was given a grant worth up to $1 million from the California Apprenticeship Initiative.

The new funding will go towards the development of a semiconductor pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship program that will expand pathways into careers within the microelectronics industry. The SEMI Foundation along with its partners will look to develop the current industry career training program offered by California community colleges as well as schools in other states. The program will connect CAI partners with SEMI member companies to create a curriculum that will shape the coursework of the program.

"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. 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."

Shari Liss, Executive Director at SEMI Foundation

For the program, Foothill College will create and build the coursework each apprentice will have to complete. The material will focus heavily on competencies for high-need positions within the microelectronics industry. In addition to Foothills coursework Ignited and the Krause Center for Innovation will create middle school foundations and high-school pathways to pre-apprenticeship programs helping to foster engaged student experiences and teacher-training workshops.

The California Apprenticeship Initiative continues to supply grants that fund the development of pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs across the state helping to strengthen sectors that drive economic growth while creating opportunities for workers in underserved communities. The CAI also funds workforce development projects across 20 sectors including advanced manufacturing, global trade and logistics, agriculture, energy, and life sciences.