Micron Technology announces expansion and partnership with College of Western Idaho 

Micron Technology Inc. has announced a new partnership with College of Western Idaho (CWI). The partnership will aid Micron’s Boise expansion within the next decade with the addition of its new $15 billion manufacturing facility — the facility will be the first new memory fab in the United States in 20 years and will create an estimated 17,000 new American jobs, 2000 of which are estimated to be at Micron. By serving as a core educational partner, CWI students will gain education and training, allowing them to connect with future jobs requiring skills and experience in mechatronics engineering technology.

Micron collaborated with the Idaho Manufacturing Alliance to register the company’s first apprenticeship with the U.S. Department of Labor, which will start in early 2023. At this time, Micron’s first group of 10 apprentices will start studying to become technicians in equipment, equipment support and manufacturing.  

April Arnzen, senior vice president and chief people officer at Micron, explained,  “The CWI partnership is an ‘earn and learn’ model by which students are qualified as full-time team members and receive compensation and access to programs and to the same benefits and perks as regular Micron full-time employees while pursuing their education. Participants in the program may also pursue additional education and training after completion of the technician apprenticeship program to prepare themselves for other future careers in engineering or other Micron career paths. The apprenticeship program will help develop the skills needed to build that talent pipeline. It also offers traditional and non-traditional workforce development pathways. Micron is committed to effective and creative solutions that expand the labor force and make these careers accessible to all, including to individuals in underrepresented and rural communities, military veterans and career switchers.” 

CWI is expanding its advanced mechatronics engineering technician program in the spring of 2023, and in the fall of 2023, it will launch a new semiconductor technician program. The college anticipates hiring more faculty and staff for these programs and looks forward to offering students these practical programs that will meet a workforce need in Idaho, both now and well into the future.  

CWI stated that the opportunity to partner with Micron is unique and empowering. 

“At CWI, we are committed to providing affordable and accessible education to advance the local and global workforce, so a partnership with Micron was a natural fit,” said Nic Miller, CWI assistant vice president of strategic operations. “When Micron announced their plans to make such a major investment in Idaho and the Treasure Valley, we were immediately excited for our students and the possibility they have to work for an amazing company like Micron. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Micron and our students. A career in the semiconductor industry will give our students the economic empowerment they are pursuing. CWI students are getting incredible value when we are aligned with our industry partners through programs like this.”