The National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement (NIICA) has unveiled its latest initiative, the National Workforce Education, Career and Apprenticeship Network (WE CAN).
- This platform aims to connect practitioners in registered apprenticeships and skill-based learning to scale best practices across the nation.
- NIICA focuses on meeting the demand for skilled workers in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors.
- Collaboration with industry and educational stakeholders is central to this initiative’s success.
- WE CAN builds on NIICA’s previous programs, expanding opportunities and fostering innovation in skill-based learning.
The NIICA, through its National Center for Skill-Based Learning, has launched a significant initiative known as the National Workforce Education, Career and Apprenticeship Network (WE CAN). This platform is designed to bring together practitioners involved in registered apprenticeships to promote and expand skill-based learning. It focuses on developing a robust talent pipeline for the nation’s advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.
The initiative targets the growing need for skilled workers in the semiconductor, microelectronics, and advanced manufacturing industries. NIICA has been appointed as the national industry intermediary by the U.S. Department of Labour, tasked with establishing and expanding registered apprenticeships throughout these sectors. They collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders including employers, industry intermediaries, educational institutions, and regional agencies, to facilitate effective connections and share best practices.
WE CAN is an evolution of NIICA’s existing initiatives, such as the Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductors (GAINS) program. This new platform extends the opportunity for collaboration to a broader coalition of industry leaders and educational organisations, promoting greater innovation in skill-based learning.
The WE CAN initiative aims to formalise and streamline efforts in workforce development by leveraging existing resources and programs. NIICA has worked with industry representatives to create a comprehensive database of Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) essential for success in advanced manufacturing. This includes developing the nation’s first Semiconductor Competency Standard and aligning educational curricula with industry requirements.
The network, known as the Semiconductor Industry Network of Community Colleges (SINC), comprises over 50 colleges with curriculums tailored to meet job KSA requirements. This alignment allows stakeholders to access resources efficiently, reducing the time and expense of developing KSA profiles for job roles. The NIICA’s aim is to ensure that, through WE CAN, successful strategies are shared and scaled nationally.
NIICA’s WE CAN initiative is poised to significantly enhance the nation’s workforce by fostering collaboration and innovation in registered apprenticeships.
