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.
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.
The CHIPS and Science Act. Perhaps you’ve heard me mention just a bit about it?
As demand for highly skilled workers in semiconductors, nanotechnology, and microelectronics continues to rise, community colleges are stepping up to lead the way in building tomorrow’s technician workforce. These institutions, which offer both accessible and high-quality education, are perfectly positioned to bridge the gap between education and industry.
Partnering with industry leaders from the SEMI Foundation, Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC), the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), National Institute of Industry and Career Advancement (NIICA), and many more, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC) is helping to drive this transformation. By bringing together community colleges, industry leaders, government agencies, and other educational institutions, MNT-EC facilitates a partnership approach that creates a sustainable talent pipeline for the next generation of professionals entering these fast-growing fields.
A Vision for Workforce Development
Our roadmap focuses on inclusivity, collaboration, and long-term sustainability. It’s designed to ensure community colleges can effectively connect with key sectors and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in advanced manufacturing and technology roles. This initiative aligns with national priorities, such as the CHIPS Act and the Department of Defense Microelectronic (ME) Commons. It supports the push to revitalize America’s leadership in these critical industries.
At its core, this effort believes in the power of community colleges to drive workforce development. These institutions can and do provide hands-on training, facilitate apprenticeships, and often ally with industry-driven programs that prepare students for immediate job opportunities—all while maintaining accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.
As Joseph Politano, author of the Apricitas Economics newsletter, points out, the CHIPS Act has catalyzed unprecedented investment in domestic semiconductor manufacturing. However, the long-term success of this initiative hinges on building a robust talent pipeline. Sadly, he highlights the catch-up race we are in after the 2001 recession, which battered chip manufacturers. We are building this roadmap to be aligned with these national priorities, ensuring community colleges play a pivotal role in meeting the demand for skilled workers in semiconductor production and related advanced technologies.
You can read Politano’s full post “America & China’s Chip Race” that my team and I read and discussed while I worked on this Director’s Message. Note: Readers will see a link or pop-up to sign up for his free and paid versions, but you can simply choose to read the post without subscribing as a guest of his Substack newsletter. You simply click the “No thanks” link and it takes you into the full article. He has some terrific charts in the full post, by the way.
Crucial Elements of the National Workforce Development Roadmap
Strategic Vision: This roadmap is a national initiative that connects regions, community colleges, industry, and government. It doesn’t center on MNT-EC but emphasizes collaboration across all stakeholders to address workforce shortages. The goal is to create a talent pipeline that meets industry demands and provides students with meaningful career paths.
Partnerships That Matter: Community colleges, working closely with industry partners, are central to this roadmap. The collaboration between educators and employers ensures that students develop the skills necessary for today’s jobs. Industry feedback helps shape the curriculum so that the workforce is prepared for current and future needs in semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics. At the end of this post, I list several essential organizations actively working to build out this national network of partners.
Work-Based Learning and Upskilling: This roadmap’s cornerstone is its focus on work-based learning—internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on experiences, such as MNT-EC’s Advanced Technology Technician Training (AT3) program. By partnering with industry leaders, community colleges allow students to gain real-world experience, preparing them for the workforce right out of school. Additionally, the roadmap emphasizes ongoing learning and upskilling for workers already in the field, ensuring they have access to continuing education and certification programs.
The following chart visualizes the key elements of our National Workforce Development Roadmap, taking the crucial elements from above, and highlighting the collaborative roles of community colleges, industry partners, and government support, all of which contribute to the overarching strategic vision of work-based learning. To be fair, the image/chart is completely a work-in-progress. Feel free to reach out if you have additional ideas to help make this roadmap strike a chord in everyone who sees it.
Draft of a chart to capture the MNT-EC National Roadmap for Workforce Development
Pivotal Role of Community Colleges
Community colleges are essential for the success of this initiative, but they are still only one piece of this intricate and important plan. We need everyone on board. Many schools have regional partnerships in place, interacting with or connected directly to industry, allowing them to fill the high-demand job opportunities for students and offer a steady supply of skilled workers to the market. The roadmap acknowledges that all partners contribute to this success, ensuring no single entity takes undue credit.
Again, this is not to say that we are the center of the universe as community colleges, but simply to acknowledge that there are 1,000+ community colleges around the nation that could serve as part of the solution for adding more technicians and advanced technology training.
Shalin Jyotishi, Founder & Managing Director of the Future of Work & Innovation Economy Initiative at New America, also recognizes the importance of community colleges in workforce development. He highlights NSF initiatives like EPIIC and ExLENT, which empower these institutions to meet the growing demand for skilled technicians in emerging technologies such as quantum science and biomanufacturing. You can read more about him and his work here. His Forbes post: NSF Budget Cuts Hamstring CHIPS Act And Community Colleges is definitely worth a read (some of you may find a paywall, depending on your access to Forbes, but we’ve found there is access for a 3-4 articles available at no cost each month).
Industry and Government Support: Key to Success
Looking forward, it’s clear that industry and government involvement will be necessary. Federal funding and private sector investments are critical to expanding workforce development programs. Whether it’s upgrading manufacturing labs or making online learning more accessible, these investments ensure that community colleges can keep up with the demands of the modern job market.
Conclusion: A Call to Work Together
Now is the time for collaboration. The MNT-EC is proud to serve as a facilitator, helping connect community colleges with industry, government, and educational leaders. Together, we can create a future where students are prepared to meet the challenges of a changing workforce and where employers have access to the skilled talent they need to grow.
We invite all stakeholders—educators, industry leaders, and policymakers—to join us in this effort. By working together, we can ensure that community colleges continue to lead in workforce development and prepare the next generation of professionals for success.
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).
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.
Alberto is a manufacturing equipment technician at Wolfspeed, where he specializes in the maintenance and optimization of semiconductor manufacturing tools. He discusses how his role supports the production of high-performance chips for power and energy applications. Alberto shares his career path, the technical challenges he faces daily, and the satisfaction of being part of cutting-edge technology that impacts industries worldwide.
Show Notes
Alberto is a Manufacturing Equipment Technician at Wolfspeed in Marcy, NY. Alberto talks about how his work in the US AirForce and the Vet S.T.E.P. program prepared him to work as a technician in the semiconductor industry. Aberto 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.
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.
Stephen is a manufacturing equipment technician at Intel, where he ensures that complex machinery operates at peak performance. He discusses the critical role of equipment maintenance, the problem-solving skills required, and the rewards of working in a field that drives technological progress.
Show Notes
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.
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.