If you want a career in semiconductor manufacturing, you know you’ll need training in advanced manufacturing technology such as robotics, machine learning, and electronics. Here’s how to get semiconductor training that can lead to an exciting career and well-paying job.
Semiconductor jobs in state-of-the-art factories (called clean rooms) make the computer chips that are used in all industry sectors, from automobiles, to health care products, to toys, and more. Workers who are trained to operate advanced chipmaking machinery are in high demand.
Austin Community College’s advanced manufacturing program takes students from classroom to clean room in as little as six to eight weeks.
If you want to skill up fast in a high-demand career field, then read on to learn more about advanced manufacturing and the semiconductor industry.
In this Article
How to Get a Semiconductor Manufacturing Job
One of the most important advantages of training at a community college is the connection with local industries and employers. At ACC, the semiconductor manufacturing program is interconnected with major conglomerates (Samsung, Applied Materials, NXP) as well as small companies that are just as agile and innovative.
ACC’s advanced manufacturing training lets students build on their certifications, from entry-level to a bachelor’s degree. The program is designed to get students into jobs fast, and then combine their classroom and work experience as they move up in skills and experience.
Here are some of the training programs at ACC that can help a student get a semiconductor manufacturing job.
Advanced Manufacturing Production
ACC’s AMP program gets you trained and certified in six weeks. ACC developed the program with partners including Samsung, AMD, and other major manufacturers. Even better, students can build on their credentials, eventually earning an associate degree and even a bachelor’s degree at ACC.
P-TECH and the Manufacturing Academy for High School Students
ACC’s P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools) program prepares high schoolers for entry-level jobs in manufacturing and other careers and also helps them get a jumpstart on their associate degree. Similarly, the manufacturing academy prepares high schoolers for jobs as entry-level technicians in a plant or factory.
Students learn skills including circuitry, technical drawing, computer-aided manufacturing, and programmable logic controller language training.
This training can also be used as the basis for an associate degree in engineering technology, applied technology, or related degree.
Upskill Training (Rapid Non-Credit Skills Training)
Combining work experience with classroom education can be a great way to boost your career. Employees who want to add to their current knowledge and experience often choose to upskill. Depending on your goals, you can expand your knowledge base and improve your career options with these training courses.
ACC’s Core Advanced Manufacturing and Semiconductor Training (CAST) offers basic and intermediate electronics, industrial sensors, robotics, pneumatics and schematics, and more.
Occupational Skills Award
The occupational skills award (OSA) is a one-semester program that covers automated manufacturing, manufacturing processes, and DC circuits. These classes prepare students for the workplaceand apply toward an advanced manufacturing associate degree.
Associate Degree in Advanced Manufacturing
Depending on your interests, ACC offers several specializations for an associate degree in manufacturing. Students can choose from automation and robotics, engineering technician, or advanced manufacturing.
Why get an associate degree in manufacturing? Students with an associate degree often earn higher wages and are eligible for technician positions that can lead to supervisory jobs. An associate degree is also the first step toward a bachelor’s degree, which also can increase wages.
Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Technology (BAT)
Advanced manufacturing+ training prepares you for a good-paying job in a manufacturing setting and provides a foundation for additional education and work opportunities. Taking that next step – a bachelor’s degree – can prepare you for a long-term career. A BAT is unique because it combines classroom and work experience, builds on your technical knowledge, and prepares you to take a leadership role and understand high tech manufacturing on a broader scale.
Building on the associate degree coursework, you’ll take classes in continuous improvement methods, supply chain management, solid state devices, electrical, electronic, and fluid schematics, and more. Students will also do a senior project and an internship.
All of these classes, plus your own work experience, can help set you up for a career in an advanced technology factory and keep you on the cutting edge of technology.
Semiconductor Manufacturing and New Collar Job Skills
What does it mean to be a new collar worker? For decades companies in all sectors have chosen to hire college-educated employees. However, large corporations including IBM and drugmaker Merck have turned to skills-based hiring, in which they hire workers who have skills training rather than a traditional bachelor’s degree. These new collar jobs allow companies to staff up quickly, and they also let workers grow in their careers, acquiring new knowledge they can add to their work experience.
So what are some of the new collar job skills that can lead to success?
New Collar Hard Skills
Advanced manufacturing new collar jobs require specific workplace training. These skills include:
- Robotics, machine learning, and controller logic. Factories employ robots. New collar workers need to know how to give robots instructions and troubleshoot when things go wrong.
- Artificial intelligence. Companies use AI for all sorts of surprising tasks, including data analysis, chatbots and scheduling, and more.
- Additive manufacturing and 3D printing. A 3D printer deposits materials layers at a time to build up a product.
- Internet of Things. IoT is the process by which individual machines are networked with one another, sending information back and forth.
- Data management. Modern manufacturing facilities generate vast quantities of data that need to be captured, assessed, analyzed, and stored in a way that supports company requirements.
New Collar Soft Skills
New collar training supports workers’ career goals. The following are some essential interpersonal skills that work in tandem with technical training to give workers an edge.
- Communication. Communication is key, both verbal and written. You may have to write pass-down notes, train a new employee, or report to a supervisor or manager on a workplace concern.
- Critical thinking. You should be able to understand and interpret facts and data based on your experience and training.
- Collaboration. The flow of ideas between coworkers can help solve problems and roadblocks, improve decision making, and make processes more efficient.
- Attention to detail. Often workers need to make precise measurements and keep detailed records.
Prepare for a Semiconductor Manufacturing Career at ACC
The demand for highly-skilled semiconductor manufacturing workers continues to grow in Central Texas. These new collar jobs can pay a family-sustaining wage and provide opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. If the idea of working with state-of-the-art technology excites you, explore ACC’s advanced manufacturing degree and certificate programs and discover how you can move your career forward.
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