As the demand for more powerful and efficient chips continues to grow, and the pace of semiconductor manufacturing in Arizona rapidly expands, so does the need for a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting these challenges.
The SEMI Foundation’s SEMI Career and Apprenticeship Network (SCAN) Arizona Team is committed to building a robust workforce pipeline through strategic partnerships and initiatives that connect industry to education. These initiatives include fostering science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) enthusiasm in K-12 (kindergarten through high school) classrooms to creating earn-and-learn opportunities through apprenticeships and collaborations with leading semiconductor companies.
The Foundation’s Arizona team has coordinated key events and initiatives in the state that showcase a holistic approach to addressing workforce challenges, many of which could be expanded and replicated throughout the US and even globally.
Arizona SciTech STEM and Innovation Summit: Fostering STEM Enthusiasm
The Arizona SciTech STEM and Innovation Summit has long been a hub of innovation, offering students, educators, and the community an immersive experience in STEM. This year’s summit was no exception. Showcasing hands-on activities, workshops, and demonstrations, the event connected STEM industries with Arizona’s next generation of talent.
The SEMI Foundation Arizona team led activities and sessions demonstrating the Foundation’s work with educators and workforce experts to explore how semiconductor curricula can be integrated into classrooms. Through engaging workshops featuring SEMI Foundation High Tech U Micro:bit STEM kits and Baltu Technologies, and a panel discussion with educators talking about the importance of industry in the classroom, participants explored exciting careers and how to introduce industry opportunities to students.
These interactions emphasized the real-world applications of classroom learning, showing the path to careers in high-tech industries.
Teachers & students participate in a hands-on Micro:bit STEM Kits workshop during
AZ SciTech STEM and Innovation Summit held on October 22, 2024.
Panelists discuss the future of the semiconductor industry incorporated into students’ education.
From left to right: Dee Pinkston (Chicanos por la Causa), Raquel Diaz (Trevor G. Browne High school), Rachna Mathur (ASU prep, ASU, STEMology), Kenneth Mims (Science Prep Academy Neurodiversity Education Research Center).
Apprenticeship 101: A Guide to Workforce Readiness
In a landscape where technical skills are increasingly critical, the Apprenticeship 101 workshop provided a crucial introduction to the benefits of how earn-and-learn programs are transforming careers in semiconductors and beyond.
Hosted by:
- Arizona Commerce Authority
- Arizona@Work
- SEMI Foundation Federal/State Apprenticeship Developer Scott Ellsworth
- SEMI Foundation SCAN Arizona team
- The City of Phoenix
This event gave attendees an overview of apprenticeship opportunities in fields like semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.
Participants learned how these programs build bridges between education and employment, offering both practical experience and a clear path to career advancement. A notable highlight was the emphasis on underrepresented groups, showcasing how apprenticeships can empower individuals to succeed in high-demand fields.
Panelists highlighting pathways to careers in semiconductors with a focus on earn-and-learn opportunities. From left to right: Nick Irigoyen (SEMI Foundation), Michael Rosas (Arizona Commerce Authority), Scott Ellsworth (SEMI Foundation), Joan Bueno (Arizona Apprenticeship Office), James A. Montoya (ARIZONA@WORK), Stephanie Varela (City of Phoenix)
Apprenticeship 101 Panelists. From Left to Right: Nick Irigoyen (SEMI Foundation), Scott Ellsworth (SEMI Foundation), Joan Bueno (Arizona Apprenticeship Office), Stephanie Varela (City of Phoenix), Perla DeBaggis (SEMI Foundation), James A. Montoya (ARIZONA@WORK)
Intel Apprenticeship Program Support: A Step Toward Workforce Expansion
Intel’s apprenticeship announcement signaled a transformative step for Arizona’s tech industry. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, Intel’s initiative aims to recruit participants from all backgrounds, ensuring a broad and equitable talent pool.
Their current cohort of apprenticeships started with 9 women from the Fresh Start Foundation. The team worked with Arizona@Work representative Stephanie Varela to provide the apprentices with an overview session of the workforce innovation and opportunity act resources available to them. These kinds of resources provide alignment and improvement of employment, training, and education programs to promote individual growth.
By investing in the workforce of tomorrow, Intel underscored its commitment to Arizona’s economic growth and technological leadership.
Intel apprentices Gabriella Medina and Laura Jabalera are paving the way for women in the industry. Learn more about their inspiring journey here.
TSMC Apprenticeship Announcement: Driving Innovation and Inclusion
Similarly, TSMC’s apprenticeship program launched on November 19, 2024, bringing excitement and opportunity to the state. The program offers specialized training for individuals seeking careers in semiconductor manufacturing, a vital industry for Arizona’s economy.
TSMC’s announcement emphasized collaboration with educational institutions, including community colleges and universities, to ensure apprentices receive both technical training and academic support. TSMC Arizona is investing more than $5 million in this program representing on-the-job training hours and education tuition support for its apprentice employees.
The SEMI Foundation SCAN Arizona team joins TSMC apprentices on November 19, 2024 to celebrate the launch of TSMC’s groundbreaking apprenticeship programs.
Trevor G. Browne High School AET Assembly: Inspiring Young Innovators
At Trevor G. Browne High School, the Advanced Engineering and Technology (AET) Assembly served as a rallying point for students interested in high-tech careers. The SEMI Foundation Arizona Team joined their assembly to celebrate the potential of Arizona’s youth, sharing stories of innovation and success in the semiconductor sector.
Students gained valuable insights into the industry’s evolving landscape, learning about the impact semiconductors have in cutting-edge technologies and career pathways in engineering and manufacturing. The assembly highlighted the importance of programs like SCAN-AZ and other local initiatives happening in 2025, which aim to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world opportunities.
Micro:bit Competition: Sparking Innovation in Arizona’s Classrooms
The launch of SEMI Foundation – Arizona’s first Micro:bit Competition is bringing creativity and technology together in K-12 classrooms statewide! Designed to inspire innovation, this competition challenges students to use Micro:bit to develop projects that showcase their technical skills and imagination.
From robotics to sustainability solutions, students are exploring real-world applications of STEM through hands-on projects. With categories like Innovation in Education and Creative Arts, the competition encourages participants to think outside the box.
This initiative not only highlights the SEMI Foundation’s commitment to STEM education but also fosters the next generation of problem solvers and innovators. The Micro:bit Competition is more than just a contest—it’s a stepping stone for students to explore their potential in high-tech industries.
Stay tuned as we celebrate the incredible projects and the bright young minds behind them!
ASU Preparatory South Elementary, Grades 3-6 Teacher Michael Grant (Left) receiving his Micro:bit STEM kits for his participating classroom from Perla DeBaggis SEMI Foundation (Right)
The SEMI Foundation’s efforts in Arizona exemplify the power of strategic partnerships and innovative programs to build a stronger, more diverse pipeline for the semiconductor workforce. By engaging educators, students, and industry leaders, we are creating pathways that connect education to employment, fostering a future-ready workforce. These initiatives serve as a blueprint for workforce development that can be adapted and scaled nationwide, empowering communities to thrive in the evolving high-tech economy. The SEMI Foundation is thrilled to continue this momentum and expand our impact even further in 2025!
Co-Author Perla DeBaggis is the Senior Specialist for Career and Industry Awareness at the SEMI Foundation, focusing on bridging the gap between education and industry.
Co-Author Nick Irigoyen is the Project Manager for Project Manager, Workforce Development & Apprenticeships at the SEMI Foundation, focusing on initiatives aimed at strengthening the semiconductor talent pipeline in Arizona.
