Maricopa Community Colleges has joined government, industry, and workforce leaders in a major new initiative to strengthen semiconductor and microelectronics talent pipelines across the Southwest.
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), in partnership with the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME), SEMI Foundation, and the National Science Foundation (NSF), announced the designation of NNME Southwest as an official NNME Regional Node on May 27, 2026. This establishes the region as one of the nation’s anchor hubs for semiconductor workforce development.
“Industry drives everything we do in Arizona, and that’s especially true with the NNME Southwest Regional Node,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Our region is home to one of the fastest‑growing and most complete semiconductor ecosystems in the country, powered by world‑class employers, educators, and workforce partners. The ACA is proud to lead this initiative and work alongside our partners across the Southwest to build a scalable, industry‑aligned workforce system that strengthens talent pipelines and supports the continued growth of America’s microelectronics leadership.”
Building a Regionally Anchored Workforce System
The NNME is a national effort designed to strengthen and scale America’s microelectronics workforce development ecosystem. Convened by the ACA, NNME Southwest brings together 47 partners across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Southern California, and Utah. Global technology giants involved in the initiative include Intel, TSMC, Amkor, Micron Technology, Applied Materials, Lam Research, Nikon Precision, Symopsys, Arm, Northrop Grumman, RTX, Teledyne Technologies, HRL Laboratories, among others across the semiconductor sector.
The Southwest Regional Node will focus on scaling coordinated, employer-driven training across the region through aligned curriculum and stackable credentials. It will expand hands-on learning and work-based experiences, such as pre-apprenticeships, internships, and fellowships. Additionally, the initiative aims to strengthen talent pipelines by supporting K-12 engagement and increasing access for rural communities through digital training technologies.
“Arizona has become one of the nation’s most important regions for semiconductor and microelectronics innovation,” said Valerie Jones, Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development for Maricopa Community Colleges. “Partnerships like NNME Southwest are critical to ensure that our state has the skilled workforce it needs to support the industry’s continued expansion and long-term success. Maricopa Community Colleges is proud to help expand access to high-quality career pathways that are shaping the future of Arizona’s economy.”
Creating Pathways that Work
As a member of the NNME Southwest Regional Node, Maricopa Community Colleges will continue to align its curriculum with employer needs, coordinate career pathways across the semiconductor industry, and expand access to training and hands-on learning. This effort will directly improve recruitment and retention of talent within the industry.
To support the growing talent pipeline, Maricopa Community Colleges offers several industry-aligned programs, including:
- The Microelectronics and Nanomanufacturing Certificate Program, available at Rio Salado College (Rio Salado), is a 12-week noncredit program launched three years ago through a partnership with Penn State and Arizona State University and funded by an NSF grant. The experience provides students with foundational knowledge, hands-on lab experience, and exposure to industry tools and environments.
- The Semiconductor Technician Quick Start is a 10-day, 40-hour training offered at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), and Mesa Community College. Students receive hands-on training in a mock clean room setting. Upon successful completion, learners earn three credits and the industry-aligned National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certificate. These credentials serve as a stepping stone toward an Associate in Applied Science in Automated Industrial Technology.
- The Semiconductor-focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator will open at GateWay Community College’s Central City campus in 2027. The $20 million learning hub is designed in collaboration with Intel and TSMC. The first-of-its-kind fab will feature full-sized mock clean rooms with 11 customizable modular stations, providing students with hands-on experience in semiconductor processing, including cleaning, probing, photolithography, and automated handling, as well as maintenance, programming, and integration using robotic applications and industry devices.
- TSMC Apprenticeship programs at EMCC and Rio Salado provide on-the-job training that aligns with related coursework. Apprenticeships typically last 12-18 months, and students have the opportunity to earn associate degrees and certificates.
“The Maricopa Community Colleges are honored to be a partner in this regional effort, and we are deeply grateful to the Arizona Commerce Authority and the SEMI Foundation for their vision and investment in Arizona's workforce future,” said Dr. Rick Vaughn, Faculty Chair of STEM Initiatives at Rio Salado College. “We are thrilled to expand these high-quality pathways to students across the district to help meet the growing demand for skilled technicians in Arizona's microelectronics and semiconductor industries.”
Learn more about how Maricopa Community Colleges is shaping Arizona’s workforce at maricopa.edu/industry.