The future of advanced manufacturing is happening in Hillsboro. The City, in partnership with the Hillsboro School District and local business partners, has launched the Hillsboro Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship, an industry-recognized and registered youth apprenticeship program.

This innovative two-year program, which received approval from the Oregon State Apprenticeship and Training Council, provides a unique and equitable pathway for high-school students to receive hands-on, paid training that prepares them for a career in advanced manufacturing.

The program’s first cohort includes six Century High School juniors, who are participating in the school’s Industrial and Engineering Systems Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. The youth apprentices will begin their work with two Hillsboro-based companies, Jireh Semiconductor and Tosoh Quartz, on September 6.

“This youth apprenticeship program is an amazing opportunity for teens to get real-life, hands-on, paid experience as they explore their future career options, and we couldn’t be prouder to launch it in our school district,” said Travis Reiman, assistant superintendent at Hillsboro School District. “Thanks to the terrific alliance between the Hillsboro School District, the City of Hillsboro and our corporate partners, our students have a new and groundbreaking way to be career-ready in the fastest-growing field.“

There is currently a workforce shortage for advanced manufacturing, both in Washington County and across Oregon. Partners of the Hillsboro Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship program recognize the opportunity to help create a diverse pipeline of talent for applied manufacturing positions, and to increase access to livable-wage jobs for the community’s youth and residents.  

• In Hillsboro, where one out of every four jobs is in manufacturing, there are approximately 1,000 job openings in the advanced manufacturing sector, primarily at the technician level. 
• Jobs in advanced manufacturing are projected to grow by 7% between 2021 and 2026, adding 2,470 new jobs in Washington County.
• Nationally, apprentices earn on average $300,000 more over their careers than non-apprentices.

As apprentices, students are employed by the partner company and have the unique opportunity to learn on the manufacturing floor. Upon successful completion of the program, they will receive accreditation from BOLI and will become certified to work anywhere as a manufacturing technician.

Additionally, the Hillsboro Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship is committed to including those traditionally underrepresented in the tech industry, including women, students of color, low-income students and students with disabilities.

“From the classroom to the manufacturing floor, this program offers an integrated solution to the increasing workforce shortage,” said City of Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway. “This innovative approach to workforce development not only increases access to vital jobs for our youth, but also helps create a diverse pipeline of talent for our growing advanced manufacturing industry.”  

The Hillsboro Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship program positions Oregon as a leader in the development, modernization and diversification of registered youth apprenticeships. The program has been designed to be replicated in schools across Oregon for a variety of industries, such as advanced manufacturing, health care and construction, and we look forward to seeing its positive impact on Oregon’s students and industries for many years to come.