The NY Creates and Micron Technology Joint Apprenticeship Program Welcomes First Cohort
NY Creates (the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science) and Micron Technology, Inc., held a signing ceremony where 10 apprentices joined the first cohort of their joint workforce development program. Announced in April by Governor Kathy Hochul, the program provides hands-on training and education to help participants develop the in-demand skills that are critical for technician roles at Micron’s fabrication facilities, including its megafab under construction in Clay, New York.
Based on Creates’ existing Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Registered Apprenticeship Program, and in partnership with NNME Northeast, participants will be introduced to hands-on, advanced R&D training and technical career pathways in the semiconductor industry at Creates’ Albany NanoTech Complex.
“We welcome the first cohort for our joint workforce development apprenticeship program to Creates as they join a regional talent pipeline of skilled technicians developing the expertise to produce new and innovative technologies,” said Dave Anderson, President and CEO of Creates. “This collaboration with Micron, CEG, MACNY, and New York State Department of Labor highlights Creates’ dedication to cultivating the next generation of highly skilled workers as they pursue exciting careers with our partners in this high-growth, strategically important industry.”
“This signing ceremony marks the beginning of something bigger than a training program; it’s the start of new possibilities,” said Fran Dillard, Micron Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition & Workforce. “These apprentices are embarking on careers that will help shape the future of technology. Through the partnership with NY Creates, CEG, MACNY, New York State, and Micron, we are expanding opportunities, building a stronger talent pipeline, and investing in the people who will power innovation for decades to come.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Workforce development has been a priority of Governor Hochul’s administration, ensuring that New York State has the talent to support the needs of high-growth industries building the economy of tomorrow. The joint apprenticeship program between NY Creates and Micron offers a terrific opportunity to learn and gain experience in this dynamic field, and I offer my best wishes for success to the 10 apprentices in the first cohort.”
Delivering on the targets announced when the Joint Apprenticeship program launched in April, the first cohort has been filled with 10 new apprentices. Throughout the 16-month apprenticeship program at Creates, participants will work with Micron mentors and employees, build industry connections, complete programmatic coursework provided by Hudson Valley Community College, and develop the technical and professional skills needed for semiconductor manufacturing careers. Graduates will have the opportunity to explore technician roles at Micron’s fabrication facilities, helping strengthen the talent pipeline to support the company’s domestic memory manufacturing expansion, including its new facility in Clay, New York.
Supported by the Center for Economic Growth (CEG); Manufacturers Talent Institute (MTI) – MACNY, The Manufacturer’s Association’s talent development engine; and the Northeast Node of the National Network for Microelectronics Education, this joint workforce development apprenticeship program trains skilled talent by attracting participants from Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and engaging prospective students through direct recruitment and pre-apprenticeship programs across New York State.
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Registered Apprenticeships continue to be a successful road for so many New Yorkers to work toward great-paying careers, and I congratulate this first cohort of apprentices for embarking on their journey with this innovative new program. Registered Apprenticeships are powered by partnership, and I thank Micron and NY Creates for their work in helping to build the crucial workforce development pipeline New York State needs to thrive in the high-skill, high-tech economy of the future.”
“Semiconductor fabs don’t run on technology alone. They run on talent,” said Mark Eagan, President and CEO of the Center for Economic Growth (CEG). “This first apprenticeship cohort is proof that New York is not only investing in world-class facilities, but also in the people who will drive innovation inside them. As the New York State Department of Labor sponsor for this groundbreaking apprenticeship initiative, CEG is proud to partner with NY Creates and Micron to create pathways to rewarding careers and strengthen the workforce that will power New York’s high-tech future.”
Michael Frame, Executive Director of Manufacturers Talent Institute (MTI) and Executive Vice President of MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, said, “Apprenticeships connect individuals to the skills, experience, and opportunities needed to build meaningful careers while developing the talent our industries need to grow. This inaugural cohort is an important milestone in building a people-powered talent pipeline to fuel New York’s semiconductor industry. We are proud to bring industry, education, and workforce partners together to create career-connected pathways that prepare New Yorkers to lead the future of technology and strengthen our state’s competitiveness.”
This collaboration underscores Creates’ and Micron’s common goal to advance a high-tech workforce throughout the region and bolster New York State and the nation as a world leader in semiconductor innovation. This joint workforce development apprenticeship program is intended to provide direct, career-ready routes for high-tech talent and an experienced workforce for the future to support Micron’s projected expansion in domestic memory production by combining Micron’s industry prowess with Creates’ world-class expertise and unique R&D facilities.
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