From nursing to semiconductors: Atalie Mitchell’s journey to financial stability and career fulfillment
Photos and story by James Hill
Atalie Mitchell had to adapt to a new skill set, learning to work with electrical circuit boards and hand tools—a far cry from her previous experiences in nursing.
In 2022, Sherwood’s Atalie Mitchell found herself at a crossroads. Having spent years caring for her family, including a husband with spina bifida and children with autism and ADHD, Mitchell decided it was time to pursue a career that would provide stability and financial security.
With a Nursing degree already under her belt but years removed from the workforce, Mitchell sought out new employment opportunities that would allow her to re-enter the job market and support her family effectively. But what job would that be?
“My kids were old enough so I was looking into different avenues to support my family,” Mitchell recalled. “I went to Community Action for job opportunities or further education.”
Semiconductor Training
PCC has built a healthy semiconductor pathway to address the worker shortage. From short-term introductory courses to the industry offering programs like Quick Start to two-year degrees in microelectronics and electronic engineering, PCC offers many options to learn the principles of advanced manufacturing that provide pathways to living wage jobs and long-term careers in semiconductors.
Enter the Quick Start Semiconductor Technician Training Program. This intensive, 10-day on-ramp course was referred to her as an option to enter the semiconductor industry. Quick Start is a partnership between PCC, Intel, Worksystems, the City of Hillsboro and Washington County. The class is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for entry-level positions in semiconductor manufacturing.
Quick Start has been the cornerstone of PCC’s advanced manufacturing workforce development. It has attracted Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and a collection of local and state leadership to tour the lab and better understand the benefits of the program. Since its launch in late 2022, the program has graduated 391 students, 77% of whom are women and people of color. Graduates enjoy a 66% job placement rate with local companies.
“Everyone who wants a job should be able to have one,” said Secretary Su. “Seeing what they have learned here and how excited they are, is truly wondrous. If we connect young people to the opportunities that they want; that is the only way that we’re going to fully unleash the promising talents of working people across America.”
Despite having no prior experience in the field, Mitchell’s determination led her to excel in a practice test, indicating her potential suitability for the program. Intrigued by the prospect of a well-paying career with opportunities for advancement, Mitchell embarked on a journey into the world of semiconductors.
The transition wasn’t without its challenges. Mitchell had to adapt to a new skill set, learning to work with electrical circuit boards and hand tools—a far cry from her previous experiences in nursing. However, with the guidance of supportive instructors, Mitchell embraced the learning curve and honed her abilities, both technical and interpersonal.
“This is nothing I’ve ever done before,” she said. “But the teachers were amazing and very personable. We were learning a completely different skill set.”
Quick Start allowed Mitchell to transition out of a stressful career in nursing.
One of the most valuable aspects of the Quick Start program for Mitchell was the emphasis on interview skills and resume building. After more than 15 years since her last job application, Mitchell appreciated the guidance in presenting herself effectively to potential employers. Armed with newfound confidence and skills, she secured an interview at Intel and subsequently landed a position as a manufacturing technician.
“They helped me with my resume such as to add transferable skills and fill in employment gaps,” she said. “I also learned how to answer questions in an interview style. You never want to say you don’t know something, but always that you will find out the answer.”
Today, Mitchell finds herself in a role that mirrors aspects of her former nursing career, albeit with a different set of challenges. As a manufacturing technician, Mitchell applies her critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities to ensure the smooth operation of equipment—a responsibility akin to caring for patients, albeit in a different context. The difference, she notes, lies in leaving the emotional stress at work, a luxury she didn’t have in nursing.
“The biggest difference is you don’t take it home with you,” Mitchell said. “There are limitless opportunities at Intel and it gives you the support to be successful.”
With her family’s financial stability improving and her children growing older, Mitchell now looks to the future with optimism. She plans to take advantage of opportunities for further education, aiming to enroll in PCC’s Microelectronics Technology Program.
“It was absolutely worth it,” Mitchell said of Quick Start.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »