Chandler students work on semiconductor chips for real-world job experience

CHANDLER — At Hamilton High School in the East Valley, students aren’t just learning about technology; they’re stepping into the future of it.

A new Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiative is giving teens hands-on exposure to the world of semiconductors, thanks to partnerships with nearby colleges and chip manufacturers.

Open to all grade levels, the semiconductor track introduces students to the fundamentals of chip design and the electronics that power modern devices.

How do semiconductor lessons train students for workforce?

Instructor Omar Muñoz said the goal is to spark long-term interest in engineering and advanced manufacturing careers.

“We obviously don’t have the equipment here to make chips, but what we’re trying to do in this program is give them a taste of what the industry is like and hopefully plant the seed for these students to continue their pursuit of a career in the industry,” Muñoz told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

Beyond classroom learning, the semiconductor program offers students dual enrollment credits and potential career pathways, including internships with industry partners.

“Building that partnership with them also allows us to potentially give our students an opportunity down the road to explore maybe an internship opportunity,” Muñoz said.

Students talk about benefits of semiconductor lessons

Freshman Justin Cope is already diving into the technical side of electronics.

“So, what we’re working on now are larger electronics, that way we have the basics for the smaller ones. And part of that is what’s called Ohm’s law, which is how voltage or like how much the energy is being pushed through the current the circuit relates to how much power is being is flowing through and how much it’s preventing it from being pulled through,” he said.

Sophomore Zachary Schafer sees the long-term value of what they’re learning.

“Basically almost every electronic device you see is going to have a semiconductor in it just because that’s how advanced we are nowadays. And those can power anything from your phone, laptop, cars, cell towers,” he said.

For Cope, the program was a major factor in choosing Hamilton High School.

“It’s a booming industry, especially in Arizona. It’s going to be needed in the future. Everything, even now, is built off semiconductors,” Cope said.

Funding for this journalism is made possible by the Arizona Local News Foundation.

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