Panelists Danny Fisher, Nick Irigoyen, and Scott Holman present at the SemiCon West Workforce Pavilion.
North America’s largest microelectronics exhibition, SEMICON West, is being held in Phoenix, Arizona for the first time in its 50-year history.
From today to Thursday, October 7–9, the Phoenix Convention Center will host what is expected to be the largest SEMICON West in two decades, with over 1,500 booths, 860 exhibiting companies, and an estimated 33% more attendees than last year. Learn more about the event here.
The move marks a major milestone for the region. According to the City of Phoenix, the arrival of SEMICON West cements the Valley’s place as a national leader in the microelectronics and semiconductor industries—a sector that has seen tremendous growth over the past decade. As the foundation of modern innovation, semiconductors power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles, and Phoenix is quickly becoming one of the industry’s most important hubs.
Maricopa's Role in Building Arizona’s Semiconductor Workforce
The Maricopa Community Colleges, including GateWay Community College, is proudly participating in SEMICON West through the Future48 Semiconductor Workforce Accelerator Kiosk at the Workforce Development Pavilion (Booth W4).
From 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, attendees can explore how the system's advanced manufacturing and semiconductor training programs are preparing the next generation of technicians, engineers, and innovators.
The Future48 Semiconductor Workforce Accelerator, part of the Governor and the Arizona Commerce Authority's workforce advancement is a key initiative designed to connect education and industry through rapid, high-demand training programs. This collaboration between GateWay, Maricopa Community Colleges, state partners, and major employers demonstrates the region’s shared commitment to growing Arizona’s high-tech talent pipeline.
A Stronger Future, Together
The system's participation in SEMICON West underscores a united effort to keep Arizona at the forefront of microelectronics innovation. Presence at the Workforce Pavilion reflects the collaboration and dedication that define our mission—to provide real-world education that drives economic growth and opens doors to high-paying, high-tech careers.
As Phoenix welcomes SEMICON West for the first time, it’s clear that the future of the semiconductor industry—and the workforce that powers it—is being built right here in Arizona.