Idaho Governor Brad Little and U.S. Secretary of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, joined Micron executives, representatives from College of Western Idaho (CWI), and community leaders at the company’s headquarters on Aug. 6, celebrating a growing partnership transforming the future of Idaho’s technology workforce.
The event recognized the first six graduates of Micron’s Registered Apprenticeship Program and welcomed 22 new enrollees during a signing day ceremony — marking the fourth cohort since the program’s launch in Fall 2022.
These apprenticeships, made possible through public and private investment, represent a vital pipeline for training and developing new technicians in the semiconductor industry. The paid, full-time roles — including process technician, equipment technician, and lab technician — last approximately two years and offer tuition coverage, health benefits, and wage increases along the way.
“The vision for our apprenticeship program was to expand the technician talent pipeline by reaching untapped potential throughout our community and throughout the region,” said April Arnzen, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Micron. “These earn and learn programs like ours offer the opportunity for people to access these careers, people who may not have otherwise considered careers in semiconductor(s).”
A key element of the program’s success lies in Micron’s partnership with CWI. As the core education provider, CWI delivers technical education through its Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology and new Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology programs. These programs provide students with the hands-on skills, knowledge, and support needed to succeed in technician-level careers and are essential to supporting Micron’s apprenticeship pipeline.
The Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology program, launching this fall at CWI, focuses on preparing students for careers in memory manufacturing fabs through applied instruction in cleanroom environments, process control, and automation. The Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology program offers students a comprehensive foundation in electromechanical systems, robotics, and programmable logic controllers — all crucial to advanced manufacturing.
“There’s a lot of hardware out there that the secretary just toured, but that hardware in those buildings mean nothing without the human resources,” Governor Little said.
Micron’s recent announcement of a $200 billion nationwide expansion, including a second fab in Boise, is expected to bring 20,000 jobs to the Treasure Valley. As demand for skilled technicians grows, CWI remains committed to helping students access training and opportunity while supporting the region’s workforce needs.
Interested in becoming part of Idaho’s growing tech industry? Learn more about CWI’s hands-on Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology and new Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology programs.
