Semiconductor Careers Certificate Program Registration Now Open
Virginia Alliance for Semiconductor Technology
Powering Virginia’s semiconductor talent and technology, together.
Welcome to the second Chips in Virginia Newsletter!
Since our first issue, the U.S. Department of Commerce has announced a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) with major semiconductor corporations including Micron, Intel, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Samsung Electronics, and Global Foundries. This direct funding, part of the Chips and Science Act, represents a once-in-a-generation investment, poised to significantly enhance America's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. Equally important is the training of skilled labor for chip manufacturing and facility maintenance.
Registration is now open for Virginia Alliance for Semiconductor Technology’s (VAST) Fast Track to Semiconductor Careers (FTSC) certificate program, a state-wide semiconductor workforce development initiative. The first cohort starts on July 15th and focuses only on Technical Area 1: Chip Fabrication and Nano Characterization. This non-degree, 10-week, 100-hour, certification program emphasizes hands-on cleanroom training while providing foundational knowledge on semiconductor and chip manufacturing. A unique aspect of this scalable program is that the applicants can choose the VAST-designated site convenient to them. We could not have achieved this milestone without the tireless efforts of the VAST Operations Committee, VAST Process Engineers, leadership of the alliance universities, and Virginia Tech’s Continuing and Professional Education.
ACADEMIA HIGHLIGHTS
George Mason University's College of Engineering and Computing is launching four new graduate certificate programs, offering specialized training in burgeoning areas in engineering and computer science.
Norfolk State University will open its new Crystal Physics and Quantum Electronics Laboratory (CPQEL) by the end of summer 2024. The lab will house state-of-the-art facilities for single crystal growth and investigation of quantum materials and device.
New research from University of Virginia's School of Engineering and Applied Science helped pioneer a new way to use photonics – or the science of light waves – on a new microchip to create signals with exceptionally low noise.
Virginia Tech faculty are taking on the challenge to bring more women into technology and semiconductor industries through UPWARDS, an international partnership between the U.S. and Japan.
INDUSTRY UPDATES
Elbit making investments to grow technology, workforce
Elbit Systems of America prides itself in designing and building devices and systems that have protected and saved lives for more than 60 years. They are making significant R&D investments to transform latest innovations into life-saving products. These developments are creating a new state-of-the-art in low light technology that has driven workforce growth by 25 percent.
Elbit has a variety of job opportunities from various technician and engineering roles to learn and grow within the company. They are looking for enthusiastic engineers and technicians to help improve their products and develop the next generations of night vision devices. Internship, co-op and full-time positions are available.
Explore career paths and search current opportunities at www.elbitamerica.com/careers.
Governor Glen Youngkin recently recognized Micron's investment and launch of the Minority Serving Institution (MSI) Semiconductor Network a new partnership with Micron, GlobalFoundries and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). The partnership will make funding opportunities available for MSIs nationwide – including Norfolk State University, Hampton University and Virginia State University.
“Micron has been a valuable corporate partner to Virginia’s Education system, with a long history of investing in Virginia’s HBCUs, including their support of the Micron-Norfolk State University Nanofabrication Cleanroom,” said Youngkin. “Private sector leadership is critical to bringing STEM opportunities and innovation to our higher education institutions, and Micron’s latest announcement is another demonstration of its commitment to expanding opportunity, increasing access, and embracing innovation in Virginia.”
This project was funded in part by GO VIRGINIA, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) that strengthens and diversifies Virginia’s economy and fosters the creation of higher wage jobs in strategic industries in the Commonwealth.
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