College of Western Idaho (CWI) participated in a historic education and industry mission to Taiwan on Jan. 27 – 30, joining a statewide delegation focused on strengthening Idaho’s semiconductor workforce pipeline.
Department Chair of Mechatronics Technology, Robert Novak, and Executive Director of Strategic Projects, Jillana Finnegan, represented CWI alongside higher education and industry leaders to explore leading semiconductor workforce models aligned with Idaho’s rapidly growing chip industry. The trip was coordinated by the Idaho Department of Commerce and supports CWI’s ongoing efforts to meet workforce needs in automation, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductor careers.
Finnegan shared the experience directly strengthens the College’s ability to prepare Idaho’s advanced manufacturing workforce.
"As Micron grows its Boise operations, demand for technicians, engineers, and skilled tradespeople is very high,” Finnegan said. “Insights and partnerships from the mission will help CWI refine and expand programs that feed directly into those roles through our Career & Technical Education, Transfer, and Workforce Development programs."
Taiwan is internationally recognized for producing one of the most advanced semiconductor workforces in the world. The delegation observed hands-on semiconductor labs, dedicated training academies, and instructional pathways built in direct collaboration with manufacturers. These models reinforced the importance of strong cross-sector partnerships as Idaho expands its own semiconductor ecosystem.
The trip also solidified commitment and gave direction for better integration across Idaho’s education ecosystem. To be competitive in attracting new industry partners to locate to Idaho, delegates will be working towards more coordinated workforce strategies statewide. The partnerships forged in Taiwan will continue to guide statewide planning efforts as Idaho builds out training programs, attracts international suppliers, and cultivates a globally competitive semiconductor talent pipeline.
Novak said the experience affirmed CWI’s direction and highlighted opportunities for growth.
“Seeing Micron’s global impact and the importance of our partnership firsthand reinforced that CWI is on the right path,” Novak said. “It also showed us how we can take our programs to the next level.”
The Taiwan delegation visit reinforced the importance of strong, industry-aligned technical training, an approach reflected across several of CWI’s programs. Through Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, and Engineering programs, and Electrical Apprenticeship opportunities offered through Workforce Development, CWI prepares students for high-demand roles in semiconductor manufacturing, automation, and advanced industrial systems.
Together, these programs prepare students for high-demand roles in chip production, automation, and advanced industrial systems.
Learn more about CWI’s Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Engineering, and Electrical Apprenticeship programs.
