The Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC) was buzzing with activity Tuesday, Oct. 20, as approximately 800 students, job seekers, and community members gathered at College of Western Idaho (CWI) for Micron Day. Throughout the morning and evening, attendees explored career opportunities in Idaho's growing semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries.
Attendees connected with representatives from Micron Technology and other industry partners to learn about workforce needs, career opportunities, and the skills needed to succeed in semiconductor manufacturing, engineering, construction, and the skilled trades.
Representatives from companies, including Kokusai Electric, Andersen Construction, Exyte, onsemi, Tokyo Electron, and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, were among some of the workforce partners on-site, sharing insights into their fields and career opportunities.
Beyond conversations with employers, Micron Day gave attendees opportunities to experience aspects of these industries firsthand. Through interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities, and CWI program lab tours, attendees explored high-tech careers and experienced aspects of semiconductor manufacturing, including trying on cleanroom suits.
Program exploration helping lead students to these types of careers was also included. CWI faculty and staff were available to share program information in Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Engineering, and skilled trades such as Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Welding and Metals Fabrication, and more.
Connecting Education and Industry
Micron Day also brought education and workforce leaders together to share insights into career pathways, workforce needs, and opportunities in Idaho's growing semiconductor field.
The morning session featured Micron Staff Program Manager of Workforce Strategies, Kevin Phithak, and Executive Director of CWI's Work-Based Learning Center, John Russ.
Phithak shared updates on Micron's expansion, technician career pathways, and a paid, 12-week summer internship program designed for students pursuing two-year degrees in fields such as Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology, and Engineering.
During the evening session, attendees heard firsthand experiences from Micron employees during a panel discussion moderated by Director of Workforce Strategies, Melanie Lewis. Panelists included; Workforce Strategies Senior Program Manager, Amanda Bamberg; Lead Principal Engineer, Logan Bottrill; and Staff Engineer in Competitor Analysis, Michael Morse.
The discussion highlighted the different paths that can lead to careers in semiconductor manufacturing, from engineering and technical education to career changes and opportunities that don't require previous industry experience.
Bamberg shared information about Micron's Apprenticeship program, which allows students to work as full-time employees while earning an associate degree at CWI, with educational costs covered by Micron. The program provides a pathway into equipment and process technician positions while combining classroom education with on-the-job experience.
Panelists also emphasized the importance of communication, teamwork, networking, and continued learning, encouraging attendees to explore career opportunities that align with their skills and interests.
For some students, those connections went beyond conversations and offered an opportunity to take the next step toward their career goals.
Thomas Blum, a student in CWI's Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology program, interviewed with Micron for a Process Engineering position. With a graduate degree in another field, Blum hopes to return to engineering and build a career in the semiconductor industry.
“Interviewing with Micron was a goal of mine since I began the program back in January,” Blum said. “I got to explain my career path and what brought me to Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology and the semiconductor field, while the interviewer told me a bit more about the day-to-day job of process engineer at Micron, the onboarding and coaching process, and more.”
Celebrating Students
Career connections weren't the only opportunities available during Micron Day. CWI's Admissions team welcomed current and prospective students, shared information about the College's programs, and invited attendees to enter a drawing for prizes, including a CWI scholarship.
Among the winners was first-year CWI Engineering student, Ryan Zechmann, who was selected to receive a scholarship during the event.
Zechmann plans to pursue electrical engineering and eventually transfer to a four-year institution to earn his bachelor's and master's degrees. The scholarship will help support him as he continues working toward those goals.
"I'm very grateful for the opportunity," Zechmann said. "It helps a lot with funding and my future."
As a core education partner with Micron, CWI continues to play an important role in preparing students for careers supporting Idaho's expanding semiconductor industry while creating opportunities for individuals exploring new career paths.
Learn more about CWI's partnership with Micron and the programs helping prepare students for Idaho's high-tech workforce.
