A new training center could enhance semiconductor education and apprenticeship programs through a partnership between Micron Technology Inc. and the College of Western Idaho.

Micron Monday unveiled its 60,000-square-foot Micron Training Center near its Boise campus.

The goal is to build semiconductor career pathways(opens in new tab) for community college students.

“This unique, collaborative training facility accelerates new-hire readiness through an intensive onboarding boot camp and hands-on training in fab operations and manufacturing systems,” Micron said in a news release.

The center houses up to 20 semiconductor process tools, designed to replicate Micron’s fab floor.

CWI has received $3 million from Micron and the U.S. Department of Commerce, covering the cost of teacher pay, equipment and classroom space.

“CWI and Micron have built a training environment where students learn on the same equipment they’ll operate in a world-class fab,” CWI President Gordon Jones said in the Micron news release. “This is what a decade of partnership looks like — a shared facility, tools, and commitment to building careers that matter for Idaho.”

Beginning this fall, CWI will offer advanced mechatronics engineering technology and semiconductor manufacturing technology programs at the Micron center, in addition to course offerings at the college’s Nampa campus.