OUR LOCATIONS
SCAN ARIZONA
SCAN Arizona is building Registered Apprenticeship Programs and raising the semiconductor and microelectronics industry’s image and awareness across Arizona’s booming “Silicon Desert.” As Arizona invests in becoming a global semiconductor hub, SCAN is playing a crucial role by developing an expanded and skilled future workforce ready to meet the demands of this rapidly growing industry.
SEMIquest is a bold new initiative from the SEMI Foundation designed to inspire and engage Arizona’s 7th- to 12th-grade students with the exciting world of semiconductors. Taking place alongside SEMICON West 2025, this one-of-a-kind experience will immerse students, educators, and families in the real-world possibilities of STEM careers—with a spotlight on the technology powering our future.
SCAN AZ EVENTS
Mark your calendar! SEMICON West, North America’s premier microelectronics exhibition and conference, is coming to Phoenix from October 7 – 9, 2025. Held at the Phoenix Convention Center, this event will include various workforce development initiatives supported by the SEMI Foundation. Stay tuned for more details.
SCAN AZ Job Opportunities
Build your career and transform the world. The semiconductor industry is at the heart of every groundbreaking technology, powering everything from your smartphones to AI.
SCAN may be your opportunity to enter into this fast-paced, high-tech world while furthering your own education and professional certifications. Stay tuned for career opportunities from SCAN AZ.
About SCAN AZ
In April 2024, the SEMI Foundation partnered with the Arizona Commerce Authority and Maricopa Community Colleges to launch the Arizona Semiconductor Technician Apprenticeship Initiative.
This initiative seeks to expand registered apprenticeship programs within semiconductor companies, providing valuable employment and training opportunities for aspiring Semiconductor Technicians. By fostering these programs, the initiative aims to increase awareness of various career pathways within the semiconductor industry, particularly among underrepresented individuals.
Meet the Arizona Team
Perla DeBaggis
Sr. Specialist
Career & Industry Awareness Navigator
Perla DeBaggis joined the SEMI Foundation as Sr. Specialist, Career & Industry Awareness Navigator in June 2024.Perla is responsible for providing support for 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 broadening the talent pool.
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.
In her spare time, Perla loves to travel, recently returning from a trip to Japan with her husband. She also enjoys discovering new music and playing vintage video games.
Scott Ellsworth
Federal/State Apprenticeship Developer
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.
Nick Irigoyen
Project Manager
Workforce Development & Apprenticeships
Nick Irigoyen joined the SEMI Foundation as Project Manager, Workforce Development & Apprenticeships in June 2024.
Nick Irigoyen will help build, organize, promote, and implement effective Registered Apprenticeship Programs and workforce development activities for the semiconductor industry in Arizona through the Foundation’s SCAN program.
Before joining SEMI, Nick managed Year Up Arizona’s Employment and Internship Programs, and led initiatives at The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, where he focused on building strong partnerships between schools and industry, to develop and grow various CTE (Career & Technical Education) programs like Semiconductor and Engineering.
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
Deputy & Senior Director
Michelle Williams is the Executive Director of the SEMI Foundation. Michelle oversees the organization’s strategy, communications, growth, and partnerships with state and federal government workforce development investments in the microelectronics industry. Michelle has supported the launch and scaling of major initiatives and secured significant funding for programs that support industry awareness and welcome underrepresented communities into industry careers. She is an accomplished speaker and writer who has presented to national and global audiences on workforce development and talent optimization.
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.