Micron apprenticeship aims to develop pathway for future technicians
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A new apprenticeship program is giving New York students a pathway to potentially work at Micron Technology’s upcoming $100 billion semiconductor manufacturing plant.
On Sept. 14, NY Creates and Micron held a signing ceremony for its first cohort of 10 apprentices into a joint workforce development program designed to train future semiconductor technicians.
Announced in April, the 16-month apprenticeship will combine hands-on experience at NY Creates’ Albany NanoTech, classroom instruction and mentorship from those in the industry.
NY Creates is a nonprofit organization established to “oversee and enhance” technology research and development in New York state, according to the group’s website.
Organizers hope the program will allow for a “long-term” pipeline of workers to support the plant. As construction ramps up, NY Creates plans to match it with expanded workforce efforts, according to the release.
At the first concrete pouring event in July, Chairman and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra announced the fabrication plant’s construction was three months ahead of schedule. The plant broke ground in January and has been subject of multiple environmental lawsuits.
Michael Frame, executive vice president of MACNY, The Manufacturers Association and executive director of the Manufacturers Talent Institute said the semiconductor industry has increasingly embraced apprenticeship models.
“Companies like Micron and GlobalFoundries have started developing pathways to hire individuals directly into apprenticeship programs and then begin the earn-and-learn process,” Frame said.
These registered apprenticeships are paid and include on the job learning with instruction, which is distinct to the NY Creates program. Although most programs are connected to educational institutions, Frame said participants can come from a wide range of backgrounds.
“We’ve had apprentices as young as 18 and as old as 71,” Frame said. “It’s a strong opportunity to recruit talent and continue them along not just in a job, but in a career pathway.”
The NY Creates initiative is built off an existing framework, the Industrial Manufacturing Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program. Participants of the cohort will also complete work through Hudson Valley Community College and work alongside Micron mentors throughout the duration of the program.
Capri O’Hara, the director of workforce development at NY Creates, described the first cohort as the beginning of NY Creates’ efforts to increase semiconductor training. The cohort will be the first of three before 2029, she explained, with other cohorts being selected in 2027 and 2028.
Success will be measured by the apprentices’ improved technical competency, instructional readiness and ability to build a “lasting” career in semiconductor manufacturing, O’Hara said.
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She said the “majority” of apprentices over the next three years will transition to full employment with Micron, and each apprentice is guaranteed an interview for a full-time technician position after completing the program.
Spencer Tracy, an apprentice selected in the first cohort, said the opportunity was a great step for his future in semiconductor manufacturing and goal of becoming a professional technician. Tracy worked as a clean room operator at NY Creates before joining the program.
“Graduating high school with a love for technology made it an easy choice to want to be a part of NY Creates and now even Micron.
“It all sounded like an absolute dream come true,” Tracy said.
Tracy previously studied HVAC through Capital Region BOCES, and he quickly developed an interest in troubleshooting “complex” technical systems.
That program let him broaden his skills by working with some of the industry’s more advanced equipment, he said.
“The Micron-Creates apprenticeship program assists in letting me experience most if not all aspects of semiconductor equipment,” Tracy said. “It has made me able to extend my troubleshooting skills to some of the most complex machinery in the world.”
O’Hara said one of the biggest challenges facing Micron and NY’s semiconductor workforce at large is developing specialized skills “at scale” and keeping pace with the rest of the industry.
“That includes cleanroom protocols, contamination control, equipment maintenance and troubleshooting,” O’Hara said. “We also need people who can apply critical thinking, follow rigorous safety standards, and adapt as semiconductor technologies evolve.”
Frame acknowledged that new industry growth will create challenges. However, he believes the broader impact of the increased effort will benefit all manufacturers across the state.
He emphasized how rare the opportunity was for workers to develop skills at the new semiconductor plants and data centers.
“I think this is going to have a tremendous impact for manufacturing across the board,” Frame said. “The associated supply chain opportunities as well as the region becoming a destination for manufacturing will create opportunities across the I-90 corridor.”
Local political leaders have debated the plant’s benefits and faults, arguing over the environmental impact along with potential economic benefits. NY Creates’ role, O’Hara said, is to form a smooth transition to a prosperous manufacturing-heavy New York.
“Micron’s investment in Clay represents a transformative opportunity for central New York, but realizing that opportunity requires more than building a world-class facility,” O’Hara said. “It requires a skilled, sustainable talent pipeline to support it.”
