OUR LOCATIONS
SCAN ARIZONA
SCAN Arizona builds Registered Apprenticeship Programs and microelectronics industry image and awareness across the state. Arizona is investing in becoming a global semiconductor hub, and SCAN is building the workforce that will realize this goal.
ABOUT SCAN-AZ
SCAN Arizona collaborates with employers, educational institutions, and a diverse range of stakeholders to drive the development of Registered Apprenticeship Programs and earn-and-learn training initiatives for the semiconductor industry. Through SCAN-AZ, we are increasing career awareness in the industry, particularly for those who are underrepresented in the field. We are actively seeking employer and workforce partners to join us in this mission. Get involved and learn more by contacting us at scanaz@semi.org.
Interested in Building the Future of Apprenticeships?
Start your journey with a leading company as an apprentice! Gain hands-on experience and valuable credentials both on the job and in the classroom. Students can join to unlock opportunities in cutting-edge technology fields and set themselves up for a rewarding future.
Companies can partner with us to develop registered apprenticeship programs tailored to your business’s needs. We help you cultivate a skilled workforce by connecting you with motivated trainees eager to contribute and grow.
Together, we’ll shape the future of tech in Arizona. Sign up now to learn more about upcoming opportunities and partnerships.
WHAT WE DO
SCAN is a network of employers, training providers, government agencies, and community-based organizations that develops customized trainings for companies, provides industry awareness to job seekers and students, and connects apprentices and trainees to supportive services.
SCAN UPDATES
The SEMI Foundation is partnering with the Arizona Commerce Authority, Maricopa Community Colleges, and other key workforce partners to strengthen and connect semiconductor industry initiatives across the state. We are excited to support Arizona’s efforts and to connect our members with valuable resources and opportunities in the state. Arizona partners are encouraged to get involved in the initiatives outlined in the What We Do section. Please feel free to reach out to us at scanaz@semi.org to learn more.
Meet the Arizona Team
Perla joined the SEMI Foundation as Sr. Specialist, Career & Industry Awareness Navigator in June 2024. She is responsible for providing support to participants in Registered Apprenticeships through the SEMI Foundation’s SEMI Career and Apprenticeship Network (SCAN) program in the state of Arizona and coordinating programs that increase awareness and knowledge of the semiconductor and microelectronics industry, with the goal of expanding and diversifying the talent pool. A key part of her role is understanding Arizona’s workforce development landscape, and she is passionate about building equitable and inclusive programs.
Before joining SEMI, Perla worked with the Arizona Commerce Authority for two years. Her most recent role was as Broadband Program Manager, where she collaboratively led the strategic planning and execution of Arizona’s broadband program, focusing on building a strong workforce in broadband. Perla also worked as a research analyst for the Arizona Competitiveness team where she helped showcase Arizona as a prominent state to do business with. She holds a Master’s degree in Global Business Management from Thunderbird school of Global Management and a Bachelor’s in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University.
In her spare time, Perla enjoys traveling, spending time with family, discovering new music, and trying new foods.
Scott Ellsworth is the Principal and Owner of Scott Ellsworth Consulting and Sherpa Management Solutions. As a contractor to the SEMI Foundation, he works to engage employers in developing and implementing effective apprenticeship programs and driving greater inclusion of all populations in the workforce. Prior to founding Scott Ellsworth Consulting, Scott was the Director of Business Leaders United for Workforce Partnerships (BLU), a Washington D.C.-based advocacy and education organization. He also has over 25 years of experience in managing a variety of manufacturing firms both large and small, most recently as VP and General Manager of U.S. Operations for Tipco Punch in Hamilton, Ohio. Scott holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Louisville and an MBA from LSU – Shreveport.
Before joining SEMI, Nick served as a College & Career Coach with The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation (GPCF). At GPCF, Nick led the organizations Career & Technical Education: Engineering/Semiconductor Business Advisory Council, fostering collaboration between industry leaders, educators, and community organizations. This initiative supported the alignment of education pathways within industry needs, empowered educators to reimagine classroom leaning, created employment and internship opportunities for students, and supported the efforts of building a career-ready talent pipeline for the growing semiconductor industry.
Nick also brings experience from his time at Year Up (YU), a national workforce development organization. As the manager of YU Arizona’s Employment Placement and Internship Programs, Nick leveraged existing corporate partnerships to enhance participant retention and outcomes. He built strong relationships with employers, gaining insights into emerging industry trends to ensure YU Alumni were well-positioned for success in the evolving job market post-graduation.
In his free time, he enjoys backpacking, birdwatching, and fly fishing. He’s also a proud uncle to five nephews and one niece, who keep him on his toes and reminds him of the importance of having fun.
Michelle Williams is Deputy & Senior Director of Strategy & Partnerships for the SEMI Foundation. Michelle is responsible for the organization’s scaling strategies, communications, and resource generation; she also supports partnerships involving state and federal government workforce development investments in the microelectronics industry. She is an accomplished speaker and writer who has presented to national and global audiences on workforce development and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Previous to SEMI, Michelle spent 15 years at the helm of nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening communities and positively impacting policy and program development on local, state-wide, and national levels.
Michelle lives near Tampa, Florida, where she lives with her husband and two sons, and where she is still getting used to looking for alligators on a daily basis.
We’re grateful to our partners:
Arizona Commerce Authority
Funding Partner
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy.
Maricopa Community Colleges
Workforce Partner
As the most accessible college provider in the Valley, Maricopa Community Colleges are committed to keeping tuition low, providing high-quality education and job training opportunities that work for everyone, and accepting 100% of applicants.
If you or someone you know is looking for a rewarding career, we’ve got the training and resources necessary to succeed. Let us show you what a career in the tech industry looks like—no experience or background required.
If you or someone you know is looking for a rewarding career, we’ve got the training and resources necessary to succeed. Let us show you what a career in the tech industry looks like— no experience or background required.
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INDUSTRY & ORGANIZATION NEWS
SCAN wants to keep you in the know! Keep up-to-date on our social media, thought leadership, media mentions, success stories, training programs, and job opportunities.
