Intel Introduces Apprenticeship Program for U.S. Manufacturing Workers

Intel has launched its inaugural U.S. apprenticeship program aimed at training manufacturing facility technicians at its chip factory in Arizona. This pilot initiative, launched in collaboration with the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board, the SEMI Foundation, Maricopa Community Colleges District (MCCD), and Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, will train apprentices over the next five years.

The program emphasizes the importance of U.S. manufacturing in Intel’s strategy, dubbed IDM 2.0, which integrates chip design and manufacturing. This approach distinguishes Intel from competitors like TSMC and Samsung, which rely on outsourcing. Supported by $8.5 billion from the U.S. government via the CHIPS and Science Act, Intel aims to bolster competitiveness in the semiconductor sector.

Selected apprentices will start as full-time Intel employees and will earn a certificate and college credit upon completing the one-year program. Christy Pambianchi, Intel's chief people officer, stated, “Facility technicians are vital for the setup, maintenance, and performance of the complex machinery used to build semiconductors. Our program provides hands-on training in our fabs, addressing the shortage of skilled applicants and expanding the semiconductor talent pipeline.”

Why It Matters

Traditional recruitment strategies are insufficient to satisfy the rising demand for skilled technicians in the semiconductor industry. According to the Semiconductor Industry Association, nearly 115,000 new jobs are projected by 2030, with 58% at risk of remaining unfilled. Of these, 39% are expected to require technicians, most of whom will need certificates or two-year degrees.

Apprenticeships serve as an effective training solution, benefiting individuals and organizations alike by providing valuable skills and industry-specific knowledge. Approximately 90% of apprentices remain with their employers after program completion, enhancing workforce retention.

How It Works

Intel’s Fab 42, operational since 2020 at the Ocotillo campus in Chandler, Arizona, serves as the training ground for this one-year registered apprenticeship. Participants will benefit from a blend of classroom instruction and on-the-job training, acquiring essential skills in areas such as mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and vacuum systems; electrical basics; chemical handling; and critical thinking.

Intel's program aims to deliver more technical skills than other industry offerings, focusing on hands-on training in gas and chemical facility operations. Over the past five years, Intel has invested over $250 million in workforce development initiatives, partnering with community colleges and nonprofits in Arizona, Oregon, and Ohio to create accessible educational pathways and tackle employment needs in the semiconductor industry.

Through its AI for Workforce Program, Intel offers over 600 hours of artificial intelligence content and professional training for community college faculty at no cost, further supporting educational access and workforce readiness.

With plans to expand the apprenticeship initiative to other U.S. sites, Intel remains committed to creating inclusive pathways that enhance lives and promote the development of life-changing technology.