PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Intel has hired nearly all 15 graduates from this June’s class in a microelectronics program at Portland Community College, and it’s looking for more.
The Oregonian reports Intel is already the largest private employer in the state with 15,000 workers. It plans to add more than 4,000 this year nationwide. And, Intel is building a $3 billion research factory at Hillsboro that will employ 1,000 people when it opens in 2013.
One Intel technician who teaches at Portland Community College’s Rock Creek Campus, Paul Wohr, says there aren’t enough student to meet the need.
Students need a background in math, chemistry and physics to enter the two-year program. They can start out earning $40,000 to $45,000 a year with the prospect of advancing to a six-figure salary.
