SEMI University: fast-track semiconductor skills development

Tailored to help meet burgeoning industry demand for technicians, the first two SEMI University Semiconductor Certification Programmes are designed for new talent seeking rewarding careers in the industry and experienced workers looking to keep their skills current.

“With semiconductor manufacturers investing heavily in new fabs backed in part by government incentives, SEMI projects the global industry will need one million new workers worldwide by 2030 to support the chipmaking expansion,” said Shari Liss, Executive Director of the SEMI Foundation, which drives the SEMI Workforce Development programme. “Technicians are in the highest demand, accounting for roughly 40% of the semiconductor workforce worldwide. The SEMI University Certification Programme will help meet the industry’s pressing need for a diverse range of training and certification programmes to close the talent gap.”

“SEMI University’s new Semiconductor Certification Programmes give the industry a fast way to train new talent while enabling current workers to keep pace with its expanding skills requirements,” said SEMI University Director Naresh Naik. “The first two certification programmes address critical technician roles. We look forward to adding new certifications to support the industry’s growing workforce needs and career development for our learners.”

The SEMI University Semiconductor Certification Programmes include:

• The Semiconductor Technician Certification equips new semiconductor industry workers with the skills necessary to excel in chip manufacturing. The certification programme provides comprehensive training in the semiconductor process and on-the-job tasks. Courses cover the function of semiconductors and their manufacture, how electrical circuits work and the physical laws that apply to electrical current, as well as the various applications of electrical testing equipment. 
• The Pneumatics/Hydraulics Technician Certification covers the use of vacuum technology in pneumatic systems and hydraulics theory. Courses address the properties of gases and vacuums, how various vacuum types are generated, and hydraulic systems and their components including actuators. The curriculum also compares hydraulic and pneumatic systems.