Fueling Our Future in Advanced Manufacturing
The Arizona Advanced Manufacturing Institute (AzAMI) is committed to shaping Arizona’s future in advanced manufacturing through cutting-edge programs and industry partnerships that meet the growing economic development needs of the region.
Students benefit from our responsive, flexible, and on-site programs that build and strengthen their technical skills and stackable competency-based certifications that allow them to grow in their careers.
Industry benefits from our comprehensive approach and customized solutions that lead to employee recruitment and retention and meet a variety of advanced manufacturing needs.
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→ Free Training for Tomorrow’s Manufacturing Jobs
Maricopa County’s manufacturing sector continues to expand, and digital competencies have become indispensable. Through Maricopa Community Colleges’ free* IT Fundamentals course, participants can develop critical computer skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and receive a stipend equivalent to in-state tuition and fees.
This opportunity is funded through a $2.5M grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Congressionally Directed Spending by Senator Mark Kelly to grow Arizona’s semiconductor workforce.
*Upon successful completion
Programs and Opportunities
Programs and Opportunities
From enrollment to employment, AzAMI provides industry certifications, relevant degree and certificate programs, and flexible learning models, including portable labs for on-site training.
Degrees and Certificates
Our degrees and certificates prepare students with the technical, employability, and academic skills that our industry partners have identified as critical to success.
Boot Camps
Our boot camps cover essential topics and skills to ensure students meet industry standards and are prepared for certification in a variety of areas.
Internships and Apprenticeships
At AzAMI, we believe internships are a crucial step toward achieving employment success through real-world experiences and hands-on learning opportunities.
Additive Manufacturing
AzAMI has developed the capacity to offer 3D printing processes with a certification in our drafting program with a focus on fused deposition modeling (FDM).
AzAMI Grant Initiatives
AzAMI Grant Initiatives
In alignment with AzAMI's mission to advance workforce development and industry engagement, these grant-funded initiatives support the expansion of technical training programs and reinforce Arizona’s leadership in semiconductor manufacturing. Each initiative contributes to student success, regional economic growth, and the development of a highly skilled talent pipeline. Learn more about current grant initiatives below:
CDS: Congressionally Directed Spending
A $2.5M federally funded initiative providing tuition support, technical training, and outreach to future semiconductor professionals.
Our Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission: To serve as a systems-level catalyst, uniting education, industry, and innovation across Arizona’s colleges, to accelerate workforce readiness and empower the next generation of advanced manufacturing professionals.
Vision: To be Arizona’s premier collaborative engine for advanced manufacturing innovation, shaping the future of workforce excellence through responsive training, cutting-edge technology, and regional partnerships.
An intercollegiate initiative within the Maricopa County Community College District, AzAMI steadfastly upholds and exemplifies the following foundational values:
Meet the Director: Leah Palmer
Leah Palmer serves as the Executive Director of the Arizona Advanced Manufacturing Institute (AzAMI), where she leads strategic workforce initiatives that connect industry demand with high-impact, competency-based training programs. With a career spanning leadership roles in workforce development, community partnerships, and grant administration, Leah has been instrumental in advancing Arizona’s manufacturing sector through collaboration, innovation, and education.
Recognized as the 2024 Champion of the Year by the Arizona Manufacturers Council and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Leah’s visionary leadership continues to shape the future of Arizona’s advanced manufacturing workforce.
Partner Colleges
Partner Colleges
AzAMI collaborates closely with select Maricopa Community Colleges to develop and deliver advanced manufacturing programs tailored to meet regional workforce needs. These colleges play a vital role in providing students with access to industry-aligned training, cutting-edge facilities, and career-focused education pathways.
Title
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
2626 E. Pecos Rd.
Chandler, Arizona 85225
480-732-7000
Title
Estrella Mountain Community College
3000 N. Dysart Rd.
Avondale, AZ 85392
623-935-8000
Title
GateWay Community College
108 N. 40th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
602-286-8000
Title
Glendale Community College
6000 W. Olive Avenue
Glendale, AZ 85302
623-845-3000
Title
Mesa Community College
1833 W. Southern Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85202
480-461-7000
Title
Rio Salado College
2323 W. 14th St.
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-517-8000
Advanced Manufacturing Partners
AzAMI collaborates with leading employers in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries, including companies such as Intel, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), Northrop Grumman, Amkor Technology, Microchip Technology, and NXP Semiconductors.
These partnerships help ensure that your training aligns with real industry needs, giving students the skills and experience employers are looking for. Through these connections, students gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies, career pathways, and opportunities within Arizona’s growing advanced manufacturing sector.
AzAMI Student Career Support
AzAMI Career Navigators provide comprehensive support services to students enrolled in the institute’s core programs: Electronics, Drafting, Automation, Machining, and Welding.
Students benefit from a broad range of complimentary resources, including academic advising, career planning, résumé assistance, job readiness workshops, internship and job placement services, job fairs, and access to funding opportunities. Career Navigators are assigned to several participating colleges. In colleges without a designated navigator, a college representative or academic dean may serve as a point of contact for student support.
AzAMI Analyst - District Office
Matt Rayman
Workforce Navigation Analyst
[email protected]
(480) 461-7337
Career Contacts by College:
Max Espina
Student Services Analyst
[email protected]
(480) 732-7277
Ivette Rodriguez
Student Services Analyst
[email protected]
(623) 935-8745
Danny Fisher
Dean of Manufacturing, Technology, and Trades
[email protected]
602-286-8713
Contact Information Coming Soon!
Alfonso Flores
Student Services Analyst
[email protected]
(480) 461-7337
Contact Information Coming Soon!
Contact Us
Connect With Us
Executive Director, AzAMI
480-688-9801
[email protected]
Workforce Navigation Analyst, AzAMI
480-461-7337
[email protected]
Program Coordinator, AzAMI
480-731-8735
[email protected]
Project Manager,
Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Grant - Semiconductor
480-731-8795
[email protected]