Work With Us. Build What’s Next.
Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductors™ (GAINS™) is NIICA’s core apprenticeship development program that supports semiconductor, nanotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and related tech-driven industries.
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Designed for employers, educators, and regional partners, GAINS™ helps organizations create, strengthen, and scale high-quality Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) and earn-and-learn pathways aligned to real operational needs.
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GAINS™ is now delivered under NIICA’s fee-for-service model, providing the same hands-on technical expertise and program development support organizations have come to rely on.
Why GAINS™
Across advanced manufacturing and semiconductor sectors, workforce shortages slow production, hinder expansion, and increase operational strain. Many companies struggle to find workers with the right technical skills and readiness to perform in high-demand environments.
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GAINS™ helps close this gap.
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By aligning training with the way your organization actually works—equipment, processes, safety standards, and shift structures—apprenticeships become:
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A reliable, long-term talent pipeline
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A retention and upskilling strategy
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A tool for building teams with consistent skills, standards, and performance
What GAINS™ Offers
GAINS™ delivers practical, end-to-end guidance to help organizations build sustainable talent pipelines. Our approach strengthens existing training efforts and transforms them into structured, scalable apprenticeship pathways.
Build the Program
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RA design & registration (including National Program Sponsorship for multi-site employers)
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Conversion of existing Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs) and other training programs to competency-based RAs aligned employer and individual needs
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On-the-job training (OJT) development & RTI/curriculum alignment with college and CTE partners
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Mentor & supervisor development (competency verification, tools, and coaching)
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Compliance & documentation support (federal/state standards, sustainability planning)
Develop the Pipeline
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Talent pipeline development (role mapping, skills profiling, sourcing partnerships, stackable pathways, pre-apprenticeships/bridges)
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Wraparound services to support access and retention
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Alignment with K–12, CTE, and postsecondary partners
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Coordination with workforce boards and state systems
Scale with Infrastructure & SMEs
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Strategic onboarding for multi-site employers (templates, playbooks, replication models)
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Funding navigation (WIOA, state incentives, tax credits)
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Subject-matter expertise, and infrastructure powered by NIICA’s National Talent Hub™ and National Apprentice Network for job/training/talent alignment and reduced fragmentation across regions
Connect with our National Apprenticeship Director
Reach out to National Apprenticeship Director Martha Ponge for a personalized consultation on how GAINS™ and the National Talent Hub™ can transform your organization, career, or educational offerings.
Download our NIICA program overview for a look at how NIICA helps employers strengthen workforce pipelines through RAs and skill-based pathways.
Hear from Registered Apprentices
Be inspired by the stories of those who've leveraged GAINS™ and related programs to
acquire skills to start a rewarding career in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
These testimonials highlight the tangible benefits of preparing for the future through RAs.
