Intel hopes to increase workforce diversity by 2030 through 2 Valley programs
One of the biggest international tech companies, with a large footprint the Phoenix area, is setting out to make its workforce more inclusive and diverse.
Intel has a set an ambitious goal to increase the number of women in technical roles to 40%, as well as double the number of women and minorities in senior roles by 2030.
“Women, in general, are not choosing to become technicians if they don’t think of it as a career opportunity despite the fact that it’s a wonderful opportunity for them to launch a career,” Angela Creedon, Intel’s public affairs manager, said.
She added that 23.5% of technical roles are women, “and approximately 35% of our senior roles are held by women and underrepresented minorities.”
The company plans to improve those numbers through two programs it’s now offering. The first is through a partnership with Maricopa County Community Colleges, which will offer an accelerated two-week program called Quick Start.
The program prepares students for a career in the semiconductor industry as a technician by providing them with hands-on learning from Intel employees and instructors.
Intel designed the semiconductor program to attract more women, Creedon said.
“Our first class is already sold out and we have started working with a number of non-profits and others who’ve helped us market this towards more females. It’s not exclusive for females, but our first class will be all female.”
The second way the company plans to achieve its goal is through the Relaunch Your Career Program.
“This is where we have taken experienced professionals, who have maybe taken a break from their career and they are offered a 16-week paid returnship,” Creedon said.
The program offers transitional support back into the workforce, mentoring support and customized cohort coaching sessions.
Creedon says over the next few years as the Chandler location grows, the company plans to hire around 3,000 employees.
“That is a significant amount of workforce and we want to make sure that we have a diverse and inclusive workforce.”
For more information on the semiconductor training and Relaunch Your Career Programs head to https://www.maricopacorporate.com/ or https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/jobs/relaunch-your-career.html