National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ (NIICA) has officially confirmed its intention to expand opportunities for veterans to access RAs in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries.
According to certain reports, this the organization will do through VALOR Act, which provides greater amount of resources to help veterans transition into civilian careers.
Talk about the VALOR Act, it is markedly designed to support veterans by offering enhanced resources, including housing benefits. By doing so, the act will ensure for them a smooth transportation from military service into high-demand civilian jobs.
Turning our attention to what role NIICA has to play here, as the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) national Intermediary for expanding RAs in the semiconductor and nanotechnology industries, and as a National Program Sponsor, the organization makes it possible for employers with multi-state operations to establish and manage RAs without requiring separate sponsorships in each state.
Coming back to the organization’s stature as a National Program Sponsor for RAs, by enabling companies to establish and administer RAs without needing to secure separate sponsorships in each individual state, NIICA simplifies the administrative process and ensures a more efficient expansion of apprenticeship programs under one employer model. Acting as the centralized sponsor, NIICA assumes responsibility here for overseeing training, and ensuring hands-on learning opportunities, as well as compliance with national standards.
“Our mission is centered on building a workforce pipeline that drives innovation and competitiveness in the industries most critical to our nation’s future, like semiconductor and advanced manufacturing,” said Nikki Zaahir, Executive Director of NIICA. “By expanding Registered Apprenticeships and skill-based learning opportunities, we’re not just addressing immediate workforce needs—we’re creating long-term solutions that will strengthen the talent pool and ensure industries like semiconductors and advanced manufacturing have the skilled professionals they need to thrive.”
Another example of what the organization is doing is rooted in its National Center for Skill-Based Learning (CSBL). Through CSBL, NIICA strives to expand national apprenticeship programs and promote skill-based learning and hiring across key sectors critical to enhance U.S. national security and global competitiveness. In essence, this center is focused on developing industry-specific pathways, aligning curricula with real-time market demands, and building a national network of community colleges, all while training providers with aligned curricula to support programs,
To achieve these objectives from an actionable standpoint, NIICA’s CSBL has proposed a host of different initiatives so far. These initiatives include, for starters, its Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductors™ (GAINS) effort, which was a USDOL-funded RA initiative designed to revolutionize workforce development in advanced manufacturing and tech. GAINS basically provides participants with mentorship, hands-on training, and the foundational competencies necessary to excel in related industries.
NIICA has further introduced an initiative called Gateway Apprenticeship Program™ (G.A.P.). G.A.P arrived on the scene to address the gap between high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) and employment. The program would on to achieve that objective by leveraging the existing education system to integrate pre-apprenticeship frameworks with RAs.
Another such effort deserving of a mention here is Semiconductor Industry Network of Community Colleges™ (SINC). NIICA brought SINC to connect over 50 community colleges with employers nationwide. The idea behind doing so is to ensure curriculum is aligned with job requirements, thus creating a national network of Related Technical Instruction (RTI) providers to support RAs and career advancement.
“This initiative is about more than just building infrastructure—it’s about creating real opportunities for veterans to transition from military service into meaningful careers,” said Clay Nagel, Senior Director of the NCSBL. “The VALOR Act helps veterans access the training and support they need to thrive in industries that are crucial for both our economic future and national security. It’s a way to honor their service while strengthening the workforce in sectors that shape the nation’s future.”