Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC), a public career and technical education school district, is expanding Arizona’s workforce pipeline with the opening of the nation’s first K-12 CTE advanced manufacturing cleanroom at its Northeast Campus in north Phoenix.
Designed to replicate real-world semiconductor and advanced manufacturing environments, the cleanroom anchors West-MEC’s Advanced Manufacturing Program, giving students direct access to the tools, technology and training used by leading employers across Arizona’s rapidly growing semiconductor industry.
West-MEC developed its Advanced Manufacturing Program in collaboration with industry leaders including TSMC, Intel and Amkor Technology, ensuring curriculum and training aligns with current workforce needs.
Through active advisory council engagement, industry partners help shape curriculum, identify in-demand skills and validate certifications ensuring strong alignment between classroom learning and career readiness.
Among those partners, Amkor Technology has been a driving force in creating a direct pipeline from student training to employment, giving students early access to career opportunities while strengthening Arizona’s semiconductor workforce.
“This is more than company exposure, it’s a direct pathway into the industry,” said West-MEC Advanced Manufacturing Instructor Raquel Diaz. “Students are learning on the same equipment, following the same processes and building the same skills employers expect, which puts them in a position to step into these roles right after graduation.”
Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 13, students begin training inside the cleanroom through an expanded semester-long experience in partnership with Roots Education.
Training also includes safety protocols, semiconductor manufacturing fundamentals, precision measurement, automation and advanced production systems, and operation of industry standard equipment.
As semiconductor investment accelerates across Arizona the demand for a skilled workforce continues to grow. West-MEC’s cleanroom demonstrates how education and industry can work together to build that pipeline, starting at the high school level.
Students completing the program are prepared to enter the workforce, pursue apprenticeships or continue their education in engineering, electronics and advanced manufacturing.
