The National Institute for Innovation and Technology (NIIT) recently honored GlobalFoundries and Applied Materials, Inc. for their significant contributions to semiconductor talent development through Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). The recognition took place at the “Texas Transistors: Building a Stronger Semiconductor Talent Pipeline” live-panel event in Austin, TX, attended by stakeholders from the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors.
GlobalFoundries was commended for establishing the nation’s inaugural semiconductor Registered Apprenticeship Program, which graduated its first cohort of apprentices last year at manufacturing facilities in Malta, New York, and Essex Junction, Vermont. Clay Nagel, Deputy Director of Technical Training at GlobalFoundries, emphasized the company’s commitment to nurturing semiconductor talent through apprenticeships.
Similarly, Applied Materials received recognition for launching the first semiconductor equipment manufacturer RAP in 2022 at its Texas facility. David Immenhauser, Vice President of Manufacturing at Applied Materials, expressed appreciation for NIIT’s support and highlighted the importance of strengthening the talent pipeline for the semiconductor industry.
Both initiatives were launched under NIIT’s Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductor (GAINS) program, which focuses on developing competency-based RAPs tailored to industry needs.
During the panel discussions, representatives from the awarded companies, alongside experts from NXP Semiconductors and ManpowerGroup, discussed the collaborative efforts required to enhance the semiconductor manufacturing talent pipeline. Mike Russo, President and CEO of NIIT commended the awardees for their pioneering efforts in semiconductor training, emphasizing their role in driving innovation and collaboration in talent development within the industry.
