Registered Apprenticeship Program will
establish pathway for workers to "learn-and-earn" in growing
semiconductor manufacturing industry
STERLING, Va., May 15, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- The National Institute for Innovation and
Technology™, in partnership with Micron Technology and
Northern Virginia Community College
(NOVA), is proud to announce the launch of a semiconductor
manufacturing Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) in
Virginia.
The new initiative, unveiled on April
24, is designed to forge pathways for workers through an
innovative "learn-and-earn" model, which removes credential and
financial barriers while substantially increasing access for
traditionally underrepresented communities.
During a roundtable discussion held at the launch, the
Institute's President & CEO Mike
Russo shared insights on the pivotal role of Registered
Apprenticeships (RAs) in expanding the nation's talent pipeline for
semiconductor manufacturing.
"Registered Apprenticeships not only prepare individuals for
lucrative careers in high-demand sectors, but they also exemplify
our commitment to inclusive growth and diversity in the tech
industry. By breaking down barriers to education and training in a
format where individuals can earn while they learn, we are opening
doors for a broader spectrum of talent to enter and thrive in
semiconductor and advanced manufacturing," said Russo.
"Our partnership with Micron and NOVA reflects a shared vision
to create opportunities that extend beyond traditional pathways and
foster a workforce that truly represents the community it serves. I
would like to acknowledge Micron for its leadership in providing
greater opportunity for those who may not have degrees to pursue
what are great careers."
"It was an honor to celebrate National Community College Month
with the launch of Micron's Registered Apprenticeship program in
Virginia, in partnership with NOVA
and The National Institute for Innovation and Technology," said
April Arnzen, executive vice
president and chief people officer at Micron and president of the
Micron Foundation. "Micron is expanding the talent pipeline for the
semiconductor industry by supporting non-traditional pathways to
employment. Through partnerships such as this, we are opening
access to high-tech jobs of the future for all."
"Micron's announcement of a registered apprenticeship program
with Northern Virginia Community
College marks another significant milestone in our
partnership. As NOVA's president, I am thrilled that our
collaboration with Micron continues to provide extraordinary
economic opportunities for our students and our region," said
Anne M. Kress, NOVA president. "The
exciting new apprenticeship from NOVA and Micron provides students
with the chance to 'learn and earn,' seamlessly integrating
classroom learning with paid, hands-on work experience.
Apprenticeships offer a transformational new onramp to life
changing careers for students and can expand and boost Micron's
local talent pipeline. NOVA thanks Micron for its vision and its
commitment to Northern
Virginia."
This initiative builds on the Institute's previous collaboration
with Micron on a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) in
Idaho, establishing a robust
framework that aligns with Micron's requirements for
apprenticeships, ensuring a seamless integration of real-time
industry needs with educational outcomes.
The Virginia RAP anticipates that the first cohort of Equipment
Technician Apprentices will begin this summer.
The day following the program launch, President Biden was in
Syracuse to designate the city as a new "Workforce Hub" and to
celebrate Micron's award of $6.1
billion in federal CHIPS funding in support of the company's
plans to invest approximately $50
billion in gross capex through 2030 in leading-edge memory
manufacturing in Idaho and
New York. The Institute launched
the New York Career Opportunity Hub in 2023, which is being
expanded to cover other cities in Upstate New York and the Syracuse
region and is working with Micron and other industry employers and
partners to build the region's talent pipeline and establish
semiconductor manufacturing RAPs.
For more information on the Institute's work nationally to
establish RAPs, visit www.niit.org.
About the National Institute for Innovation and
Technology
The Institute is a 501(c)(3) with a mission to
identify roadblocks to innovation in strategic industry sectors,
those important to the U.S. national security and global
competitiveness, and ensure they are eliminated. The Institute is
the nation's leader in the semiconductor talent pipeline
development and U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) national
Intermediary responsible for establishing and expanding Registered
Apprenticeships (RAs) throughout semiconductor and
nanotechnology-related industry supply chains.
The Institute's National Talent Pipeline Development Initiative
represents a comprehensive, nationally integrated approach that
enables broader participation by promoting skills-based learning
and hiring, connecting the public education system, returning
service members and their families and adults from other
occupations to related technician and engineering careers. For more
information about the Institute, visit www.niit.org.
About Northern Virginia Community
College
Northern Virginia
Community College is the largest institution of higher
education in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of America's largest
community colleges. NOVA enrolls more than 75,000 students at its
six campuses in Alexandria,
Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Springfield and Woodbridge, and through NOVA Online. For more
information about NOVA and its programs or services, call
703-323-3000 or visit the College's Web site, www.nvcc.edu.
View original
content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-institute-for-innovation-and-technology-partners-with-micron-technology-and-northern-virginia-community-college-to-launch-registered-apprenticeship-program-in-virginia-302146628.html
SOURCE National Institute for Innovation and Technology