The Maricopa County Community College District announced that it has been selected as a National Semiconductor Technology Center Workforce Partner Alliance program awardee. 

The $1.7 million in grant funding will enable MCCCD to continue leading transformative workforce development programs in Arizona aimed at closing crucial workforce and skills gaps across the U.S. semiconductor industry, a press release explained.

MCCCD Chancellor Dr. Steven R. Gonzales said in the release that since 2018, Arizona’s semiconductor industry has experienced a 22% increase in employment growth. With over 200 semiconductor companies located throughout the state, he said they know Arizona will continue to be a hub for innovation, furthering the need for a skilled workforce.

“Thanks to our existing program offerings and key industry partnerships, MCCCD is uniquely positioned to respond to the industry’s rapidly changing workforce demands,” Gonzales. 

According to him, the funding will not only allow us to enhance our current program offerings but also provide training opportunities to a diverse group of learners, including women, students of color and first-generation college students, resulting in a more diverse and qualified technician workforce.

The WFPA program is administered by Natcast, the purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the NSTC consortium, established by the CHIPS and Science Act of the U.S. government. 

On Sept. 25, Natcast announced $11.5 million in anticipated total WFPA awards coinciding with the launch of the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence, the release stated. 

Currently offered at three of the system’s 10 colleges — Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, and Mesa Community College — funding from Natcast will allow MCCCD to expand its Semiconductor Technician Quick Start training to Glendale Community College, ensuring geographic coverage for individuals seeking training throughout the Valley. 

Additionally, MCCCD will develop and implement the Maricopa Accelerated Semiconductor Training, a stackable course that will support in-demand, technician-level positions identified by industry. 

As the largest workforce training provider in the state, MCCCD's expanded programming will prepare an additional 300 individuals for careers as semiconductor technicians in Arizona's booming semiconductor industry, addressing the region's growing demand for highly skilled workers and reinforcing Arizona's position as a global semiconductor leader.

Leah Palmer, executive director of the Arizona Advanced Manufacturing Institute at MCCCD, said in the release that MCCCD plays a critical role in advancing Arizona’s position as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing.

" Our Semiconductor Technician Quick Start and the future MAST initiative represent our deep commitment to fulfilling immediate industry demands and building a sustainable talent pipeline for the future,” Palmer said. 

As part of the initiative, MCCCD will collaborate with the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity and the Arizona Commerce Authority to ensure the training aligns with industry needs. 

This industry-driven approach will provide participants with valuable opportunities for employment and career advancement in the semiconductor industry and help employers fill critical workforce needs, according to the release.

“This award is a victory for Arizona as the state continues to lead the country in job growth. Workforce development is a top priority as demonstrated by Governor Hobbs' recent Talent Ready AZ Executive Order, and the state is honored to partner in this vital work to build a skilled workforce to power Arizona's growing semiconductor industry," OEO Director Carlos Contreras said in the release. 

The WFPA program is the first of several anticipated workforce program funding opportunities to be offered through the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence. 

With a $250 million investment from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the WCoE will lead collaborative efforts with NSTC consortium members to drive innovation and significantly bolster the U.S. semiconductor workforce development ecosystem to strengthen America’s national security, economy and global competitiveness, the release stated.

"The WFPA funding will create opportunities for thousands of students, educators and professionals to join the U.S. semiconductor workforce, supplying employers with in-demand talent and solidifying the U.S. as a leader in this vital industry,” Michael Barnes, Senior Manager of Workforce Development Programs at Natcast, said in the release.

In 2023, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced the creation of a new semiconductor-focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator in collaboration with MCCCD. Opening in 2026 at GateWay Community College’s Central City campus, the state-of-the-art facility will establish a first-of-its-kind training pathway for students to pursue careers in the microelectronics industry.

To learn more, visit www.natcast.org/workforce.