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Portland Community College (PCC) and Lam Research have completed an important milestone in Oregon’s growing semiconductor workforce pipeline: the graduation of the first cohort of students from the new Microscopy Technician Training Program.

The eight-week program provided 40 hours of hands-on experience with advanced microscopy and inspection technologies used throughout semiconductor manufacturing (held at Lam’s Tualatin campus). Participants trained directly on scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) and other industry-relevant tools, gaining exposure to real-world workflows inside a semiconductor equipment company.

According to the PCC news article, the program began when Lam approached the college’s Microelectronics Technology Program to explore short-term training aligned with urgent technician needs. PCC’s Professional Development & Training (PDT) team then led development and implementation of the program in close collaboration with Lam experts.

Brian Clay, Global Operations Program Manager at Lam Research, emphasized that microscopy requires a “unique blend of specialized, highly technical skills, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving,” and noted this program “brought all those and more.”

Lam Research Foundation funding helps PCC broaden its STEAM Center programs, reaching students across the district with hands-on workshops in 3D printing, design, and rapid prototyping. Over 2,000 students have already benefited from these makerspace experiences.

Tualatin Mayor Frank Bubenik highlighted the program’s economic importance, noting that the computers and electronics sector is “more important to the Oregon economy than in any other state.”

With plans already underway for a second cohort in 2026, PCC reports that the PDT team will continue adapting workforce-aligned training as Oregon ramps up semiconductor education and technician development.

Credit: Lam Research works with PCC to conduct specialized microscopy training