Creating new talent pathways: National Apprenticeship Week

One way Micron stays ahead of the curve is our commitment to creating and expanding pathways for all in the semiconductor industry. In fact, one of our five aspirational   diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) commitments is to expand our recruiting pipeline, including with top talent from nontraditional pathways, underrepresented groups and disadvantaged populations.

We recognize that everyone’s journey is unique, and that there are many skills and experiences that can lead to success in the semiconductor industry, not just a traditional four-year degree. So, we’re identifying expanded pathways to this work and removing barriers to make semiconductor careers more accessible. Our DEI commitments have been the cornerstone of our work. We know when we intentionally embed inclusion into how we do business, we elevate our innovation and unlock greater potential for everyone. One way we advocate for all to have access to exciting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers and good-paying jobs is through Micron’s Registered Apprenticeship program. 

Apprenticeships catalyze access for individuals into long-term careers through an “earn as you learn” model. Micron provides on the job training while giving apprentices the flexibility and financial resources to complete an associate  degree at the same time. Apprentices receive competitive wages, progressive wage increases, health benefits and have their tuition fees covered by Micron. We currently offer apprenticeships at our Idaho and Virginia fabs, with plans to expand into other locations in the U.S. Since we launched the program in November 2022, we’ve had 46 participants in three different cohorts. 

National Apprenticeship Week is November 17-23, and we are thrilled to celebrate our first apprentices graduating from Idaho’s inaugural cohort on November 18. This makes me so proud and reaffirms how Micron continues to expand our pool of diverse and exceptional talent.

Congratulations to our graduating apprentices, and thank you to all the employers, industry representatives, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, educational institutions, and federal, state and local government agencies that make apprenticeship programs like ours possible.

And Micron’s commitment to creating apprenticeship talent pathways extends beyond the United States. We look forward to expanding these programs to India in 2025.

What I love about Micron is that when we think beyond what’s possible, we can create, design and launch bold ideas that can transform the future. We believe that removing barriers to our industry helps us ensure we are creating opportunities for all because we know high-quality talent is available everywhere. These ideas keep us ahead of the curve, make us unique and make us Micron.