Community colleges expand semiconductor training

Associated Press · Wufei Yu · 2026-11-05 08:09 UTC

Community colleges in Arizona are offering a free, three-month semiconductor crash course that leads to interviews with major tech companies. The program aims to address a looming labor shortage in the semiconductor industry. Experts warn that the U.S. could face a shortage of 157,000 engineers and technicians by 2030. Arizona, a major hub for semiconductor investment, could face a gap of over 10,000 workers. The program, which includes hands-on training, is part of a broader effort nationwide to quickly funnel high-schoolers, college students, and career changers into semiconductor jobs.

Community colleges rush to expand semiconductor training as labor shortage looms US chip industry

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — For three years, Ethan Mock worked part-time at a gym to make ends meet while taking on more than $100,000 in debt to pursue a degree in business administration. Earlier this year — his fifth and final at Northern Arizona University — he began looking beyond his major for a stable career.

So in July, when he learned over the radio about a tuition-free, three-month semiconductor crash course at Rio Salado College, he signed up immediately, despite having no background in the field. The draw: the community college’s new program offered students a chance to interview with major chipmakers in Arizona.

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