Arman is a fabrication technician at Excelitas in Boulder, Colorado. Arman moved from Santa Clarita, California, and now earns around $50,000 annually. He grinds and polishes lenses for various applications, including commercial and military uses. Arman emphasizes the importance of detail, communication, and teamwork in his role. He transitioned from a warehouse job to a two-year laser optics program at Pasadena City College. Arman advises aspiring technicians to pursue their passions and seize opportunities.
Show Notes
Arman is a fabrication technician at Excelitas in Boulder, Colorado. Arman moved from Santa Clarita, California, and now earns around $50,000 annually. He grinds and polishes lenses for various applications, including commercial and military uses. Arman emphasizes the importance of detail, communication, and teamwork in his role. He transitioned from a warehouse job to a two-year laser optics program at Pasadena City College. Arman advises aspiring technicians to pursue their passions and seize opportunities.
The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education grant program.
Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.
Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org.
The pace of change in the semiconductor industry is nothing short of astonishing. This “freight train of change” impacts every aspect of the ecosystem—from how electrical circuits are designed (think AI and quantum computing) to the advent of multi-layered circuits enclosed in a single package. Each technological leap reshapes what the workforce must know and what educators must teach to prepare students for this rapidly evolving field.
A Changing Landscape: New Materials, Processes, and Demands
At the core of these advancements lie breakthroughs not only in circuit design but also in the very materials used to manufacture semiconductors. While silicon and gallium arsenide remain foundational, materials like carbon nanotubes, graphene, tellurium, and molybdenum are emerging as key players.
These advancements are driven by equipment manufacturers who continue to push the boundaries of operational capabilities and refine parametric constraints to meet the demands of smaller, faster, and more efficient chips. Workforce development agencies around the USA are diligently working to keep up with these advancements, as are educators who must adapt teaching methods to live in the ripple effect of so much change.
The Education System’s Critical Role
The semiconductor industry’s success hinges on an agile and adaptive education system. Educators must guide students to a deep understanding of emerging physics, chemistry, and materials science concepts while introducing them to the complexities of semiconductor devices and fabrication. Beyond simply teaching technical content, they must inspire curiosity and prepare students to thrive in an industry of continuous change.
The need for flexibility in the education system itself compounds this challenge. Administrative hurdles and lengthy review processes often bog down curriculum updates. To truly meet industry needs, educators need the freedom to:
Quickly incorporate new topics like carbon nanotube-based fabrication or AI-driven circuit design.
Deliver hands-on training in cleanroom protocols and advanced testing techniques.
Experiment with new teaching methods and delivery approaches tailored to complex content.
The stakes are high. Only by giving educators the tools, training, and support to respond swiftly and effectively can a workforce be created capable of steering this “freight train” of technological advancement.
Educator Challenges
I’m about to “preach to the choir.”
Educators live in a state of “unprecedented” change. That word gets bandied about often, but the reality is that teachers must not only teach but constantly and continually learn. Educators must grasp these concepts before introducing students to advanced materials or processes. This dual burden—learning and teaching—is intensified by the steep learning curve of entirely new technologies like extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography or chiplet architectures.
Additional challenges include:
Keeping Pace: We must find ways to help educators stay ahead when the knowledge landscape shifts constantly.
Building Partnerships: We need strong connections between community college faculty and industry professionals. That will also provide more access to new tools and better resources.
Systemic Barriers: Administrative requirements and funding constraints often slow the adoption of updated curricula (from the above two points), leaving gaps between industry needs and educational efforts.
Saying Yes to Change: The Only Way Forward
Change is hard. It’s uncomfortable, messy, and sometimes feels impossible in the face of overwhelming challenges. But if there’s one thing I know, it’s this: educators are some of the most resilient, adaptable, and resourceful people. Many have already stepped up—learning new content, experimenting with their teaching, and doing whatever it takes to prepare students for a fast-changing semiconductor industry.
The good news? Educators aren’t in this alone. Industry leaders are ready to lend a hand, offering partnerships, funding, and hands-on training opportunities to help bridge the gap between what’s needed and what’s possible. Together, we can tackle this. But we have to be willing to say “yes”—not cautiously but with confidence and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
So, where do we start?
Empower Educators: Give them the time, resources, and professional development opportunities they need to stay ahead of emerging technologies. They can’t teach what they don’t know—let’s make sure they have the know-how.
Streamline Curriculum Updates: Cut through the red tape. Make it easier for educators to update and adapt their courses to respond to industry needs as they arise. We don’t have time to wait.
Strengthen Partnerships: Build meaningful relationships between schools and industry. Let’s create a space where companies share what they need in their workforce, and educators translate that into real-world skills for students.
Encourage Innovation: Give educators the freedom to experiment. Whether using AR/VR to simulate cleanroom training or AI tools to teach circuit design, new approaches can make all the difference in preparing students for the future.
The train is already moving. The semiconductor industry isn’t slowing down, and neither should we. It’s time to get on board—not with hesitation, but with purpose and vision.
It Starts With Yes
The semiconductor industry’s future—and that of so many connected fields—depends on what we do today. And the truth is that educators are at the very heart of this transformation. Saying “yes” to change, collaboration, and bold ideas isn’t optional anymore—it’s necessary. In a future post, I’ll be sharing ideas for helping educators learn “faster.”
But that “yes” has to mean something. It’s not just a word. It’s action. It’s support.
Yes is breaking away from the comfort of “the way we’ve always done things” and trying something new, even if it feels risky. This rethinking is what true teaching looks like and how we can best prepare students for the opportunities waiting for them.
This isn’t just about keeping up. It’s about leading the way. The train is moving fast, but we can ensure everyone’s ready for the ride. Let’s say “yes” to change, and let’s mean it.
Learn more about Deb and her work in advanced technology.
Emily has had an extraordinary career, working with NASA and the White House before joining Intel. In this episode, she reflects on her journey through some of the most prestigious technical environments in the world. Emily shares how her passion for technology and mentorship drives her work and inspires others to pursue impactful careers in STEM fields.
Show Notes
In this episode of Talking Technicians, you’ll meet Emily, a facilities engineer at Intel. Emily shares her journey from community college to a full-time engineering role, discussing her experiences in the clean room, the challenges she faced as a woman in engineering, and the importance of soft skills and networking in her career. She emphasizes the diverse opportunities available in the semiconductor industry and offers valuable advice for aspiring technicians.
The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education grant program.
Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.
Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org.
NSF ATE Centers and Projects (listed on ATE Central). Map not captured to scale, clearly, but adjusted to visually capture the teams in Hawaii and American Samoa!
As many within MNT-EC prepare for the 31st National ATE PI (Principal Investigators) Conference (October 23-25, 2024 in Washington, D.C.), here is some guidance to help you make the most of this invaluable event. With plenty of incredible sessions, speakers, and networking opportunities, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed.
As you attend various sessions, participate in workshops, and network, write down (or record a voice memo into your smartphone) some of your insights and ideas to share with us. We’re planning a community-based blog post after the conference, and your contributions will help build a shared pool of knowledge that benefits everyone in our ATE community. Save your key takeaways and get them to us during or after the event. You can catch Billie Copley at the event and share your thoughts with her, or email directly to: TJ at MicroNanoEducation dot Org. We plan to publish this post about two weeks after the ATE PI Conference.
Here are a few key areas we are interested to hear about:
1. Innovative Approaches: Look for sessions where speakers share new teaching techniques, creative uses of technology, or innovative approaches to workforce training. These insights could spark fresh ideas for your own programs.
2. Real-world Applications: Listen for stories that connect ATE projects to real-world impact—whether it’s helping local industries thrive or boosting student success. For sure, these are stories and case study types of ideas we want to hear about, from you and colleagues.
3. Collaborative Success Stories: Many ATE initiatives succeed because of partnerships between educational institutions and industry. Look for examples of how collaboration has led to meaningful outcomes, and consider how your (and our) partnerships can benefit from similar strategies.
4. Emerging Trends: What new technologies or skills are gaining momentum in your field? Be sure to take note of any emerging trends that could shape the future of workforce development in your industry.
5. Lessons in Adaptability: Change is ever-present, and that means we have to adapt. If you hear any stories about overcoming challenges, especially in our fast-moving world, jot them down—they can offer inspiration and solutions for others in our MNT-EC / LinkedIn community.
Share with Us Post-Conference!
No matter what sessions, panels, or informal conversations you are part of, capture those ideas, insights, and inspiration we can use in the 2024-2025 school year. Please reach out to share what you’ve learned. Let’s work toward an authentic, more connected network of professionals advancing technological education. In plain language, let’s lift one another up!
Who Is Presenting from MNT-EC?
ATE PI 2024 Conference from MNT-EC Team and Partners
Here are a few shout-outs to our team and partners for sessions they are giving at ATE PI 2024. Keep us posted if you are also presenting and we’ll list you here.
Columbus State Community College will have a spotlight session on “Aligning Strategies to Support Advanced Technological Education Talent Demand” by Shane Kirby and Michell Ward from CSCC.
Date: Thursday, October 24 at 1:30 – 2:15 p.m. (Eastern). Room: Diplomat
Shout out to Scot McLemore ǀ Executive in Residence at CSCC for sharing. Advanced Manufacturing Pathways at Columbus State Community College.
MNT-EC Co-PI, Dr. Peter Kazarinoff, Faculty, Engineering and Engineering Technology at Portland Community College will present a Spotlight session on “J ATE URE: Getting Community College Students & Faculty Published.”
Date: Thursday, October 24 at 1:30 – 2:15 p.m. (Eastern). Room: Empire
You can read a bit more about how this presentation came about by reading Peter’sLetter from the Editor in Volume 3, Issue 2 of the Journal of Advanced Technological Education.
Spotlight Session organized by Erika Sturgis: Panel with Marci Gale, Mason Lefler, and Tiffany Calfant
Abstract: Explore strategies for streamlining data collection and management of student data within ATE projects in this panel discussion with representatives from three ATE projects. We’ll discuss how different projects prepare for multiple report types, including project annual reports, evaluation reports, and responding to the ATE Survey. Panelists will share methods they use to build and maintain their data collection infrastructure. Whether your project receives student data from an institutional research office or you track it yourself, everyone will find practical strategies to make reporting on students more effective.
***
ATE Connects Countdown session (new format)
Rick Vaughn presents Top 5 Strategies to Stay Nimble Amidst the Semiconductor Renaissance
Date: Thursday, October 24 at 4:15 – 4:25 p.m. (Eastern)
Room: Exhibit Hall
Rick Vaughn, Ph.D., Rio Salado College. Faculty Chair – STEM Initiatives
Key Area of Session Focus: Curriculum & Educational Materials Development; Student Recruitment/Retention
Program Abstract: This session will include discussions and will answer thought-provoking questions in nanotechnology and microelectronics education. Proven and innovative strategies of outreach, student recruitment, hands-on education, remote education, content-delivery, professional development, and industry involvement will be discussed. PIs and Project Members from leading national nanotechnology, microelectronics, and remote-education centers will be the facilitators/panelists and presenters. Actions and ideas that have successfully enabled continuously improving education and workforce development in nanotechnology will be explained by the panelists.
Session: Building Global Partnerships: Advancing Quantum Workforce Education
Presenters: Mo Hasanovic, Jared Ashcroft, Grant Emmel
Spotlight session: How AI Is Predicted To Affect Multiple Disciplines
Presenters: Jared Ashcroft, Larry McWherter, Michele Robinson, and Antonio Delgado as panelists. Ann Beheler as facilitator.
Date: Thursday, October 24; 930 to 10:15 AM (Eastern). Room: Palladian.
Session: Undergraduate Research as a Recruitment and Retention Strategy Within ATE
Facilitators: Jared Ashcroft, PI, MNT-EC; Ani Hakobyan, Student, MNT-CURN; Jason Spyres, CEO and Founder, Training All People (TAP)
Program Abstract Undergraduate research is a high impact practice in recruitment and retention of students in STEM. MNT-EC has been using undergraduate research through ATE-URE and START supplement proposals to increase the participation in MNT technician training. This session will share lessons learned from the past three years of the MNT-CURN and START programs and lead a discussion on the future of MNT-EC’s undergraduate research program. Attendees will be provided strategies in developing supplement proposals that focus on training technician through research and in developing student recruitment and evaluation strategies to increase industry support, effectiveness, and sustainability of the program.
Scroll through and pick one of the 10 episodes from Season 4 of the Talking Technicians Podcast. There’s so much to learn from these technicians as Dr. Peter Kazarinoff talks through their life experiences and journey. You can also jump to the full YouTube Playlist or to the MNT-EC Talking Technicians Podcast page.
In this episode of Talking Technicians, you’ll meet Josh, a technician at Analog Devices in San Jose, California. Hear about Josh’s background, his experience working at Analog Devices, and the opportunities for growth and benefits in the industry. Josh shares his journey from starting in an automotive shop to working in the microelectronics industry, and how his education at a community college prepared him for his career. Josh emphasizes the importance of hands-on skills and communication in the field of electronics. The episode concludes with Josh’s advice for students and those looking to transition into a career as a technician.
Kendall, a technician at Indium, shares the experience working in the manufacturing industry and the journey to becoming a technician. Kendall discusses the role of Indium as a materials refiner and supplier to the electronics and semiconductor markets. Kendall describes daily tasks operating a rolling mill and the various alloys produced at Indium and also talks about the opportunities for professional growth, benefits, and work schedule at the company. Kendall highlights the importance of creativity and flexibility in the manufacturing industry and offers advice for those interested in pursuing a career as a technician.
Jamel is a Technician at Tokyo Electron, also called TEL in Hillsboro, OR outside of Portland. Jamel was part of the Vet S.T.E.P. program that helps military service members transition into the civilian sector. Jamel talks about how the skills and practices he learned and used in the military can be transferred and employed as a technician in the semiconductor industry.
Alberto is a Manufacturing Equipment Technician at Wolfspeed in Marcy, NY. Alberto talks about how his work in the US Air Force and the Vet S.T.E.P. program prepared him to work as a technician in the semiconductor industry. Alberto highlights how some technical skills he learned in the military are transferable to the civilian sector. Hear about the benefits of becoming a semiconductor technician and how the Vet S.T.E.P. program works in this episode.
Stephen is a Manufacturing Equipment Technician (MET) at Intel in Hillsboro, Oregon. Stephen discusses his journey from Minneapolis to working at Intel and shares insights into his day-to-day responsibilities involving the maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing. Stephen talks about shift schedules, salary ranges, professional growth opportunities, and the importance of communication and safety in his job. Stephen also shares advice for individuals considering a career transition into the semiconductor industry.
Lincoln is a technician working in the semiconductor industry. Lincoln was in the armed services, then went to community college and enrolled in an electrical engineering technology program. He now has experience working as a technician at two different semiconductor companies in the Portland, OR area. Hear about Lincoln’s experience in this episode of Talking Technicians
Ethan is a HPM technician at Intel in Hillsboro, OR outside Portland. HPM technicians at Intel support other technicians that work at Intel. Hear about how Ethan went from working in the hospitality industry to long-term career in the semiconductor industry. Ethan talks about his work, what it feels like working in a semiconductor factory (a fab), and how he balances his studies at community college with his work as a technician.
Laury is a Senior Control Engineer at Albireo Energy in Northern Virginia. Laury is passionate about her career. In this episode here about what working in a data center is like and how you can join this exciting career. At the end of the episode, listen to what Laury has to say about encouraging women to work in technical careers. Laury’s work is inspiring.
Janaki is a Equipment Engineering Technician at Analog Devices in Beaverton, OR outside Portland. Janaki had a career in small business, but needed to make a change. Hear how Janaki transitioned to working in the semiconductor industry by enrolling in Portland Community College’s Microelectronics Program.
Michelle is a lead thin film vacuum technician at MKS Instruments at the Richardson Gratings Lab in Rochester, NY. Michelle started out working as an operator, then gained additional skills by enrolling in a vacuum technician certificate program at Normandale Community College. Hear Michelle’s story about how she took her career to the next level.
Full List as only links, no YouTube image, but takes you to the same place. 🙂
At MNT-EC, we are working hard to stay at the forefront of innovation, driving advancements in fields as diverse as microelectronics (think semiconductors — that chip in your smartphone), nanobiotechnology, and nanophotonics, to name a few. Yet, as the demand for skilled technicians in these areas continues to grow, there is an urgent need to equip students with the hands-on experience and industry connections that will prepare them for these high-demand roles.
To meet this opportunity, we are launching the Advanced Technology Technician Training “AT3” program to create a robust pipeline for students to transition from the classroom to the workforce, all while addressing the critical workforce shortages the industry faces today and in the near-future.
More to come, but for now, here is the program flyer you can view or download (to hopefully, hint hint, share with your students and anyone on campus or in your networks).
AAS in Nanoscience technology from Dakota County Technical College;
BS in Project Management from Minnesota State University – Moorehead
Location: Arkansas, United States
Friendly Takeover Cat
Hostile Takeover: You have probably heard the term, which refers to when one business takes over another by less-than-honorable means, as most would understand.
* * *
This is a “Friendly Takeover” of MNT-EC Center Manager Billie Copley’s usual Notes column, by me, the site editor. 😂 For the past few months, Billie has written about others. The leadership team here felt it was a good time to lift up someone reluctant to be in the spotlight, pun intended. You can read the other MNT-EC “Partner Spotlights” I have linked below.
As one of the two main leaders with daily responsibility for this national center, alongside Center Director Dr. Jared Ashcroft, Billie often talks about how to reach people, lift up others associated with this grant, and highlight its work to serve students, families, educators, and the industry surrounding both.
“Billie Copley is the heart and soul of MNT-EC. She is responsible for keeping MNT-EC running and organizing the different focus group teams. She is a joy to work with and provides a much needed perspective on grant activities.”
Dr. Jared Ashcroft, MNT-EC Center Director
A bit of background may help you understand her service mindset: She was recently promoted to full mentor status at Mentor-Connect, exemplifying dedication and passion for nanoscience and education. Her journey to a leading mentor in Mentor-Connect showcases her commitment to fostering growth and excellence within the ATE community, specifically to educators applying for their grant funding. She also does this directly within the MNT-EC community along with Mel Cossette, Greg Kepner, and Esperanza Zenon. To learn more, head over to the MNT-EC Mentoring page.
Billie’s career in nanoscience began at Nano-Link, where she served as the Nanoscience Lab Manager at Dakota County Technical College. Under the guidance of leaders like Deb Newberry, Billie thrived in the collaborative and innovative environment that defines the ATE community. Her role at Nano-Link partly shaped her professional ethos, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, hands-on learning, and community engagement.
During her tenure at Nano-Link, Billie managed complex projects and fostered a supportive learning environment for students. Her dedication and innovative approach to education earned her recognition and opened new growth opportunities. In 2011, Billie attended her first HI-TEC meeting, experiencing the collaborative spirit of the ATE network firsthand. In that same year, she attended ATE-PI as a student and earned a student of excellence award for her work.
“Billie Copley is the glue that holds MNT-EC together. Billie works hard to keep the team on task while preparing the annual report and balancing duties with other working group teams. She always shows her gratitude and respect for other team members.”
Greg Kepner, Co-PI MNT-EC; PI of NavigATE
When asked about her reasons for becoming a mentor, she expressed that it has always been part of her life and mindset. “I love learning from my mentors and using that knowledge daily. So, I like to give that back to other people. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a mentor, so I feel privileged to help others achieve their goals, whether writing a grant proposal, writing a paper for J ATE, or helping students navigate life. I mentor in my personal life as well. I am mentoring a young man who wants to earn his Project Management degree and take the PMP certification exam. It’s amazing to watch a person’s confidence grow under your direction. It is very fulfilling.”
Note: The Mentor-Connect initiative is led by some of the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE) program’s most experienced and successful Principal Investigators (PIs) and mentors. They recently elevated Billie to a Full Mentor, entrusting her with projects and participants across the program.
Transitioning to her current role as Center Manager at MNT-EC, Billie brought a wealth of experience and a passion for advancing nanoscience education. Her leadership at MNT-EC has been marked by strategic project management, and her commitment to mentoring has already been mentioned. Her professional development from lab manager at Nano-Link to a key figure at MNT-EC highlights her dedication to continuous learning and her ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic and sometimes challenging environments. Billie views the ATE as more than a community; to her, it’s a vibrant support system that has been instrumental in her development.
Since her introduction to the community in 2010, Billie has benefited from its collaborative spirit and now actively contributes to helping others navigate their educational and professional paths, particularly in crafting successful grant proposals. She advises realism in project planning and understanding the constraints of time and resources to make a meaningful impact. Reflecting on her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of detail and clarity in navigating technicalities successfully.
“Billie is a tremendous asset to MNT-EC. I’ve had the fortune to work with her on outreach-related activities, and Billie has been a consistent source of insight and sensibility. Her levels of organization and dedication set a high bar for all of us to aspire to.”
— Tiffany Kimoto | Executive Director | The Kavli Nanoscience Institute, Caltech
Billie’s life is filled with creativity and adventure outside her professional roles. From gardening and woodworking to rock hunting and crystal mining, she embraces activities that involve nature and using her hands. An avid motorcyclist, Billie is rekindling her passion for riding, embracing the freedom it offers. These personal interests not only add depth to her character but also provide a unique perspective to her professional endeavors, making her a relatable figure in the ATE community.
As Billie continues her role at MNT-EC, Mentor-Connect, and within her local community, she will shape the future of many aspiring professionals and enrich the ATE community. Her story is one of continuous learning, teaching, and giving back—a true testament to the power of community and mentorship.
Josh works as a technician at Analog Devices, where he supports the development and testing of innovative electronic components. He talks about the collaborative nature of his role, the technical problem-solving involved, and how his work directly contributes to advancements in consumer and industrial electronics. Josh emphasizes the importance of precision and creativity in meeting the demands of the industry.
Show Notes
In this episode of Talking Technicians, you’ll meet Josh, a technician at Analog Devices in San Jose, California. Hear about Josh’s background, his experience working at Analog Devices, and the opportunities for growth and benefits in the industry. Josh shares his journey from starting in an automotive shop to working in the microelectronics industry, and how his education at a community college prepared him for his career. Josh emphasizes the importance of hands-on skills and communication in the field of electronics. The episode concludes with Josh’s advice for students and those looking to transition into a career as a technician.
The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education grant program.
Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.
Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org.
Kendall is a technician at Indium, where he focuses on materials used in electronics assembly. He shares insights into the precision and care required in his work, especially when working with high-tech soldering materials. Kendall reflects on how his technical training and attention to detail ensure the production of reliable, high-quality components used in electronics worldwide.
Show Notes
Kendall, a technician at Indium, shares the experience working in the manufacturing industry and the journey to becoming a technician. Kendall discusses the role of Indium as a materials refiner and supplier to the electronics and semiconductor markets. Kendall describes daily tasks operating a rolling mill and the various alloys produced at Indium and also talks about the opportunities for professional growth, benefits, and work schedule at the company. Kendall highlights the importance of creativity and flexibility in the manufacturing industry and offers advice for those interested in pursuing a career as a technician.
The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education grant program.
Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.
Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org.
Jamel works as a technician at TEL, contributing to the manufacturing and servicing of advanced equipment used in semiconductor production. In this episode, he explains how his hands-on skills and problem-solving expertise help keep the production process efficient and reliable. Jamel also discusses the importance of continuous training and adapting to new technology in a rapidly changing industry.
Show Notes
Jamel is a Technician at Tokyo Electron, also called TEL in Hillsboro, OR outside of Portland. Jamel was part of the Vet S.T.E.P. program that helps military service members transition into the civilian sector. Jamel talks about how the skills and practices he learned and used in the military can be transferred and employed as a technician in the semiconductor industry.
The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education grant program.
Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.
Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org.
