College of Western Idaho (CWI) has joined a regional effort to strengthen semiconductor workforce development across the Pacific Intermountain region, expanding opportunities for students and workers to enter one of the nation's fastest-growing industries.
CWI is a partner institution in the Pacific Intermountain Network for Education in Semiconductors (PINES), a regional node of the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME) led by Boise State University. Boise State was recently selected to lead the Pacific Intermountain node, one of four regional hubs nationwide focused on building a skilled workforce for the semiconductor and microelectronics sectors.
Supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Commerce, NNME brings together education, industry, and government partners to strengthen pathways into semiconductor careers and address growing workforce needs across the country.
The Pacific Intermountain node includes universities, community colleges, K-12 partners, industry leaders, and government organizations across nine western states. Through the partnership, CWI will help expand access to training and career pathways opportunities in Idaho through targeted workforce development initiatives.
One of CWI's contributions to the initiative is its Pre-Manufacturing: Pathways to Trades, Engineering, and Technical Careers program, a free Adult Education course offered in Boise. The program introduces participants to key concepts in advanced manufacturing, helps them build foundational knowledge and skills, and prepares them for entry into related career and educational pathways.
The work builds on CWI's longstanding partnership with Micron Technology to prepare students for careers in semiconductor manufacturing. As the education provider for Micron's Registered Apprenticeship Program, CWI delivers hands-on technical instruction through its Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology programs.
The apprenticeship program combines paid employment with classroom learning, helping participants gain skills needed for careers such as process technician and equipment technician while earning wages, benefits, and tuition support.
"Participation in this regional network allows CWI to expand access to high-quality training and strengthen Idaho’s talent pipeline in one of the fastest-growing and most critical sectors of our economy," said President Gordon Jones. "By working alongside Boise State University and partners across the region, we’re creating more opportunities for students while helping meet the evolving workforce needs of Idaho employers."
For CWI, participation in the network reinforces the College's commitment to providing accessible, workforce-focused education while supporting Idaho's growing role in the nation's semiconductor ecosystem.
To learn more about education and training opportunities that support careers in semiconductor manufacturing, engineering, and advanced technology, visit CWI's Industrial Technology and Trades, and the Computer Science, Engineering, & IT pathway pages.
