Intel has announced that it will be launching a new 1-year certification program to help build local talent for its newest chip factories in Ohio and to partially address what the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has shown to be an upcoming workforce shortage. Eleven community colleges, including Clark State and Columbus State CC, have agreed to host the program, which is expected to launch in 2023–24 and offer the industry’s first stackable, shareable, and transferable one-year semiconductor technician certificate. 58% of projected new jobs (and 80% of projected new technical jobs) are at risk of going unfilled at current degree completion rates, according to the SIA’s findings.
Key Technical Skills Sought by Intel
- Hand tool basics: Familiarity with the proper and safe use of hand tools commonly used in preventive and corrective maintenance at semiconductor factories, including torque wrenches, drivers, Allen keys, wrenches and digital voltmeters (DVMs).
- Mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulics and vacuum systems: Understanding how mechanical systems function, as well as reading mechanical schematics. Understanding basic types of actuation, such as pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical, as well as knowing how vacuum systems work in semiconductor manufacturing.
- Math: Ability to apply math skills to aid in troubleshooting, building/fixing and statistics in semiconductors.
- Electrical basics and electronics: Ability to safely work around electrical systems. Reading electrical schematics to trace the wiring from one component to the next for troubleshooting and rewiring bad components. Utilizing DVMs to perform a zero-volt check of a system.
- Chemicals and gases: Understanding the different types of chemicals (acids, bases, toxic and flammables) in a fab environment and how appropriate personal protective equipment, procedures and safety systems can mitigate risk.
Professional Skills Sought by Intel
- Industry knowledge: Knowledge about semiconductor fabrication (defects, contamination, process flow, tools and operations), safety (working with chemicals/gases, electrical safety and lockout tagout practices), lean manufacturing, hand tools and cleanroom gowning.
- Communication skills: Technical and professional writing, verbal and non-verbal communication, listening and documenting, group participation, reading, drafting, researching skills, computer literacy and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards.
- Problem solving and critical thinking: Understand troubleshooting techniques for model-based problem-solving concepts.
Historically, Intel has invested regionally in technician programs in Arizona, Oregon and New Mexico, and internationally in Ireland and Israel where its large fab manufacturing and research and development facilities are located. To support the Ohio fabs, Intel has taken key lessons from these other regions to reinvent the way technician education is developed. Intel learned that financial situations and confidence in math and science skills can be a barrier to students entering a technical two-year program.
To address this, community colleges in Ohio, led by Columbus State Community College, created the industry’s first stackable, shareable and transferable one-year semiconductor technician certificate program. The program launches in 2023-24 to help build the talent pipeline. Colleges include Columbus State Community College, Marion Technical College, Rhodes State College, North Central State College, Central Ohio Technical College, Clark State, Northwestern State, Stark State, Zane State, Owens Community College and Lorian Community College. The certificate includes three newly developed courses that are well aligned with the minimum technical skills required for an entry-level technician position outlined by Intel (as shown below).