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Micron Technology, Inc., one of the world’s largest semiconductor companies and the only U.S.-based manufacturer of memory, celebrated the first graduating class of its Manassas Registered Apprenticeship Program. The company also welcomed its fifth cohort of apprentices during a signing ceremony at the company’s Manassas, Virginia site, reflecting continued momentum and demand for local pathways into semiconductor manufacturing careers. The milestone comes as Micron invests more than $2 billion to expand and modernize its Manassas fab, supporting more than 3,100 jobs.
This first graduating class in Manassas is Micron’s largest apprenticeship class to graduate across the U.S. to date, effectively doubling the program's total number of graduates nationwide. This is a proud achievement that reflects the program’s remarkable growth.
Since launching the program in April 2024 with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement, Micron has hired more than 50 apprentices in Manassas, creating local opportunities to propel individuals into highly skilled careers and helping strengthen the talent pipeline needed to support the future of semiconductor manufacturing in America.
Micron’s registered apprenticeship program combines classroom learning, technical instruction and hands-on experience to create accessible pathways into advanced manufacturing careers. Designed for both recent high school graduates entering the workforce and adults seeking to transition into a new career, the program broadens access to high-demand opportunities in the semiconductor industry through an earn and learn model. NOVA provides related technical instruction, while the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement serves as the apprenticeship program sponsor.
“We could not be more proud of today’s graduates and all they have accomplished,” said NOVA President Anne M. Kress. “Their success reflects both their hard work and the transformational strength of NOVA’s partnership with Micron. Through hands-on training, mentorship and real-world experience, these students now have the skills needed to build meaningful careers as part of a semiconductor workforce that is critical to our region and the nation. We are grateful to Micron for their continued investment in NOVA students and the workforce of the future.”
“Today’s graduates represent exactly what registered apprenticeships are designed to achieve: creating clear pathways into high-demand careers while helping employers build the skilled workforce they need to compete and grow,” said Mike Russo, president and CEO of the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement. “Through our partnership with Micron and Northern Virginia Community College, these apprentices have combined classroom learning with hands-on experience to earn nationally recognized credentials and launch meaningful careers in semiconductor manufacturing. Their success demonstrates how industry, education and workforce partners can work together to strengthen America’s talent pipeline and support the long-term growth of the semiconductor industry.”
“Today is about more than celebrating a graduating class. It is about creating opportunity and expanding access to careers that can change lives. We are proud of our first apprenticeship graduates in Manassas and excited to welcome the next cohort as they begin their journey,” said Fran Dillard, vice president of global talent acquisition and workforce at Micron. “Building the workforce of the future starts with investing in people. Through strong partnerships, we are creating new pathways into semiconductor manufacturing, strengthening our communities and helping ensure the U.S. has the talent needed to lead for years to come. This is just the beginning.”
“This milestone is a proud moment for our Manassas team and a testament to what can be achieved when people have the opportunity to learn by doing,” said Delbert Parks, vice president and site executive of Micron Technology Virginia. “Our first graduating apprentices have built valuable technical skills while contributing to the work that powers our facility every day. As we welcome a new cohort, we are continuing to invest in the people and partnerships that help strengthen Virginia’s semiconductor workforce and support the future of advanced manufacturing in our community.”
In addition to expanding registered apprenticeship opportunities, Micron is investing $250,000 across three local Manassas-area Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to help modernize equipment, enhance technical training and increase student access to semiconductor and advanced manufacturing career pathways. The investment is designed to strengthen awareness of high-tech career opportunities, support hands-on learning experiences and build stronger connections between secondary education, postsecondary training and employment opportunities. By partnering with local school systems and educators, Micron is developing a broader pipeline of future talent while ensuring students gain exposure to the skills needed for careers in Virginia’s growing semiconductor industry.
“Virginia is home to some of the nation’s most innovative companies and talented workers, and apprenticeship programs like this help ensure our workforce is ready to lead the future of American semiconductor manufacturing,” said U.S. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam. “Congratulations to Micron for creating pathways that combine hands-on experience, technical education and meaningful career opportunities. I look forward to celebrating all of the achievements of the first class of graduates and the newest apprentices.”
“Virginia is proud to be home to the future of American semiconductor manufacturing, which depends on high-skilled workers,” said Jessica K. Looman, Virginia secretary of labor. “Micron’s $2 billion investment in Manassas, which adds 3,100 jobs, shows what’s possible when industry and education work together to open doors for Virginians. Creating good-paying jobs and expanding economic opportunity for Virginia workers and their families remains a top priority, and I congratulate these apprentices and welcome the new cohort joining Micron’s Manassas team as they build lasting careers in one of our commonwealth’s fastest-growing industries.”
Apprentices who complete the program gain relevant technical skills and earn a U.S. Department of Labor Journeyworker Certificate, a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates mastery of their occupation and supports long-term career growth. The program creates another pathway into semiconductor manufacturing careers and helps participants build the knowledge, hands-on experience and workplace readiness to grow their careers at Micron.
Micron’s Manassas, Virginia, fab is a leading U.S. advanced semiconductor manufacturing site and the country’s only fully owned 300mm fab, producing DRAM, NAND and NOR for automotive, defense and aerospace, industrial, networking and other markets. Earlier this year, Micron began manufacturing 1α (1-alpha) DRAM at the site, the most advanced memory ever produced in the United States.
Micron is investing over $250 billion to expand its leading-edge memory manufacturing and R&D across the United States, creating over 90,000 jobs nationwide. Local talent development remains essential to the company’s long-term success and the future of the semiconductor industry. The Manassas registered apprenticeship program demonstrates Micron’s commitment to expanding access to high-tech careers, investing in local talent and strengthening semiconductor workforce readiness in Virginia and nationwide.
