09.24.19
SEMI and SUNY Polytechnic Institute announced that they have been awarded a $6 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to fund workforce development initiatives for the microelectronics manufacturing industry. The funding, to be provided over three years, will support the development and implementation of a semiconductor workforce certification program designed to meet the industry’s most pressing needs.
The certification program will be part of SEMI Works™, SEMI’s industry-driven initiative to grow the talent pipeline for the electronics manufacturing industry. The NSF grant will fund a pilot program that includes a unified competency model, course curriculum, web portal, and engagement with industry and training providers.
SUNY Poly, with campuses in Albany and Utica, will administer the grant and serve as the academic partner for the program. A recognized leader in semiconductor-related technology development and education, SUNY Poly brings to the program strengths in working with business to develop programs for training semiconductor industry technicians.
Students completing the courses will receive technician certifications as credentials, endorsed by SEMI, for working in the semiconductor industry.
“The talent shortage is the most critical issue confronting the semiconductor industry today,” said Ajit Manocha, president and CEO of SEMI. “We are thrilled to partner with the NSF and SUNY Poly in this vitally important step to build a workforce that will continue to drive innovations that are transforming the world and our lives. Our engagement with SEMI members across the electronics manufacturing supply chain will ensure that job education and training meet the needs of advanced manufacturing.”
“Working with SEMI on this first-of-its kind certification to strengthen the 21st century high-tech workforce will allow our region’s undergraduate college students to be perfectly positioned to pursue outstanding STEM-related careers. As a result, they will be highly sought after – and uniquely qualified – to thrive in cutting-edge semiconductor and electronics systems technology fields, including AI, power electronics, integrated photonics, and computer chip manufacturing at SEMI member companies, as well as others,” added Dr. Robert Geer, professor of nanoscale science, who leads the SUNY Polytechnic research project.
The certification program will be part of SEMI Works™, SEMI’s industry-driven initiative to grow the talent pipeline for the electronics manufacturing industry. The NSF grant will fund a pilot program that includes a unified competency model, course curriculum, web portal, and engagement with industry and training providers.
SUNY Poly, with campuses in Albany and Utica, will administer the grant and serve as the academic partner for the program. A recognized leader in semiconductor-related technology development and education, SUNY Poly brings to the program strengths in working with business to develop programs for training semiconductor industry technicians.
Students completing the courses will receive technician certifications as credentials, endorsed by SEMI, for working in the semiconductor industry.
“The talent shortage is the most critical issue confronting the semiconductor industry today,” said Ajit Manocha, president and CEO of SEMI. “We are thrilled to partner with the NSF and SUNY Poly in this vitally important step to build a workforce that will continue to drive innovations that are transforming the world and our lives. Our engagement with SEMI members across the electronics manufacturing supply chain will ensure that job education and training meet the needs of advanced manufacturing.”
“Working with SEMI on this first-of-its kind certification to strengthen the 21st century high-tech workforce will allow our region’s undergraduate college students to be perfectly positioned to pursue outstanding STEM-related careers. As a result, they will be highly sought after – and uniquely qualified – to thrive in cutting-edge semiconductor and electronics systems technology fields, including AI, power electronics, integrated photonics, and computer chip manufacturing at SEMI member companies, as well as others,” added Dr. Robert Geer, professor of nanoscale science, who leads the SUNY Polytechnic research project.
