L to R: Nga Tran, Nicole Luna, Fernando Cuerva (ET Career Scholar Pre-Apprentices), Loid Belay, Makayla Lasswell, Ricardo Marroquin Martinez (Micron Apprentices).
National Apprenticeship Week 2024: A Decade of Growth, Innovation, and Opportunity
On November 22, NOVA collaborated with Micron Technology to host Insights from In-Demand Technology Apprentices at the Regional Center for Workforce Education and Training (WRC) on NOVA’s Woodbridge Campus to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. The hybrid event for students and parents featured presentations from Micron apprentices specializing in semiconductor technologies and NOVA student pre-apprentices exploring careers in semiconductor and data center operations.
What is National Apprenticeship Week?
Each year for the past 10 years the Department of Labor has commemorated National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), which celebrates and advances Registered Apprenticeship programs. This yearly event unites employers, educators, workforce organizations, and government agencies to spotlight the crucial role apprenticeships play in developing a skilled workforce, building career pathways, and promoting equity. Events held across the country showcased programs, facilities, and apprentices, emphasizing how apprenticeships contribute to economic growth and meet industry needs.
Micron’s Apprenticeship Program
Micron’s Apprenticeship Program spans from 18 months to 3 years. Upon completion, participants are awarded a certificate as registered professionals.
A typical day begins with a team meeting, where apprentices collaborate with the night shift to discuss tasks for the day, such as identifying issues that need troubleshooting or fixing. During their shift, they focus on resolving problems with constraint tools that impact productivity, along with completing related computer work. The day concludes with another team meeting to transition responsibilities to the night shift.
The program involves 12-hour shifts, where apprentices work three days one week and four days the next. Starting pay is typically $22 per hour, with opportunities for promotions as they progress through the program.
Courtney Adams, who leads Micron’s apprenticeship program in Manassas, is committed to fostering nontraditional pathways into the workforce. “Our apprenticeship program is designed not only to fill positions but to develop talent and spark innovation by partnering with local educational institutions like NOVA,” she explains.
Courtney highlights the value of apprenticeships in creating structured learning environments where participants can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. This model builds their skills, boosts confidence, and equips them to handle workplace challenges. Micron offers apprenticeship tracks in engineering, manufacturing, and technology, with each apprentice paired with a mentor for guidance and support.
Describing the ideal apprentice, Courtney says, “We’re looking for someone eager to learn, with a positive attitude, teamwork skills, and an interest in hands-on work. It’s a bonus if they have experience in a CTE course like automotive, HVAC, or building computers.”
The Panel Event: Insights from In-Demand Technology Apprentices (Q and A):
The Micron apprentice panel featured current NOVA engineering technology students, Loid Belay, Makayla Lasswell, and Ricardo Marroquin Martinez.
Q. What sparked your Interest in the Semiconductor Industry?
- Makayla: “I’ve always been interested in computers. I built my first computer when I was 15 and realized how crucial semiconductors are. They’re foundational to computers, modern cars, and data centers. I’m eager to learn how to work with semiconductors and understand their production process.”
- Ricardo: “I’ve always been passionate about technology. Semiconductors are intriguing because they’re integral to the cutting-edge advancements we’ll see in the future.”
- Loid: “Semiconductors are the backbone of modern technology. The chance to contribute to something so essential and widely used is incredibly exciting to me.”
Q. How did you discover the Micron Apprenticeship Program?
- Ricardo: “I found the opportunity on the NOVA Connect page and applied.”
- Loid: “I regularly check the NOVA Connect page for opportunities, and that’s where I discovered the program.”
- Makayla: “I also learned about it through the NOVA Connect page. The application process was seamless, transitioning from the NOVA site to the Micron site.”
Q. How do you balance an apprenticeship with schoolwork?
- Ricardo: “Micron is accommodating and helps us select classes that align with our schedules.”
- Loid: “Balancing a full-time job, coursework, and exams is challenging, but Micron provides great support, giving us the time needed to handle both training and studies.”
- Makayla: “Working 12-hour shifts while going to school is tough, but my firm provides monthly check-ins, accessible coordinators, and supportive mentors and supervisors.”
Q. What’s the biggest takeaway from your apprenticeship?
- Loid: “I’ve gained an appreciation for the collaboration, precision, and expertise required to produce semiconductors.”
- Ricardo: “I’ve learned preventive maintenance, which helps address issues before they escalate. This skill has become part of my daily mindset.”
- Makayla: “I didn’t have much experience working with my hands before, but through maintenance tasks and troubleshooting, I’ve developed that ability.”
The NOVA pre-apprentice panel featured NOVA students from our first cohort of the Engineering Technology (ET) Career Scholars Program, Fernando Cuerva, Nga Tran, a non-traditional student, Nicole Luna, a recent high school graduate.
ET Scholars is a one-year program, beginning with a 2-to-4-week summer bridge session, followed by two semesters of coursework, and concluding with a guaranteed internship interview.
Q. How’s your experience so far in the ET Scholars Program?
- Nga: “My experience has been fantastic so far. I receive a lot of support. My situation is unique because I’m not a recent high school graduate—I have two children, a degree, and previous career experience. Switching fields was tough, especially since my family didn’t fully understand my decision. Being part of this cohort, I have 19 peers experiencing similar challenges, and the program leads help me balance school and personal responsibilities. Whenever I encounter a problem, I know I can rely on them to guide me.”
- Nicole: “It’s been an amazing experience. The cohort is incredible—I’ve made great friends, received helpful support, and benefited from the program leads’ guidance. It’s also provided financial assistance with transportation and other expenses. This program has opened up exciting possibilities, encouraging me to explore and stay curious.
- Fernando: “It’s been a rewarding journey. The stipends have been a great help. We have a supportive team, and whenever we have questions, they’re there to assist us. The program also exposes us to different companies—Micron has visited several times. The cohort feels like a small community where we help and relate to each other.”
Q. What sparked your Interest in the Semiconductor Industry?
- Nga: “Before this, I was a Montessori teacher and decided to explore something new after COVID. I took a cloud computing class, then met Andy Chavez, who introduced me to the Career Readiness Leadership Program. That experience led me here.”
- Nicole: “I wasn’t sure what career to pursue until I received an email about this program. What captivates me about the semiconductor field is how it impacts everyday life. We rely on semiconductors constantly, often without realizing it.”
- Fernando: “I’ve always been interested in technology, but I wasn’t certain about my path. While in the ET Scholars Program, I discovered this industry. It’s amazing to learn about fields that need skilled workers. What ultimately inspired me to focus on engineering technology was realizing the significance of the work I could do.”
Q. What are some of the unique experiences and opportunities you’ve had specific to the semiconductor industry?
- Nga: “I attended a Micron presentation in June, and they highlighted the career paths and job security in this field. With the support they offer, I felt confident about my future in this industry.”
- Nicole: “I loved touring Micron and seeing the technology, like the moving robots and machinery. The opportunities they provide are incredible.”
- Fernando: “This is an ideal field for hands-on learners. It’s also a sector where you can start working quickly without needing advanced degrees, and there’s significant room for growth once you’re in.”
Q. What are some of the challenges entering the semiconductor field?
- Nga: “One challenge is being a female in a male-dominated industry. If someone doubts your abilities, prove them wrong. Build a support network, like this cohort, to help you succeed.”
- Nicole: “Many people aren’t aware of the semiconductor industry. It’s important to spread the word about the exciting careers available to those with genuine interest.”
- Fernando: “I also think more people need to know about this industry and programs like the ET Scholars Program. They open up fantastic opportunities.”
Jack Bidlack, NOVA IET’s Director of Strategic Initiatives, offers this advice to prospective apprentices for both the Micron Apprenticeship and the NOVA Pre-Apprenticeship (ET Scholars):
“You have to commit 110%. That’s why apprentices receive a stipend—to reflect their full effort. This is not something you can do part-time – you’re either all in or you’re out. If you’re in, there are people and companies like Micron ready to support you.
These are our students, and they will succeed. We strive to address every challenge they face in a way that ensures their success. Our goal is to guide them through a one-year program and into a career. It’s incredibly fulfilling because I’m hopeful that, in the future, they’ll pay it forward. My expectation is that these students will return to NOVA, share their experiences with the next group of pre-apprentices, and recruit them into these programs.”
How to apply for ET Career Scholars for the 2025-2026 academic year:
Engineering Technology (ET) Career Scholars is an excellent opportunity for graduating or graduated high school students to get into an in-demand technology career in semiconductor manufacturing and/or data center operations.
Go to https://www.nvcc.edu/academics/divisions/iet/systemic/scholar.html and fill out the interest form. Applications will be available mid-January, 2025 and you will be notified if you fill out the interest form. Selections will be completed by the end of May. There will be 2 to 3 cohorts with 40 to 60 students total.
You don’t have to have technical skills or high math scores in order to apply. You just have to be serious and interested in starting a full-time job within a year. In order to apply, you have to turn 18 before the end of the program.
Interested individuals can use the NOVA Engage app to stay informed.
ET Career Scholars is funded through grants from the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
