This Week in Small: October 2025 Updates
UPDATE Oct 3: Talking Technicians podcast was highlighted in the Micron Educational Workforce Pathways Newsletter and we’re thrilled with their participation and support on so many levels! PDF embedded (lots of cool news from Micron in this PDF), and the short post is copied/pasted here:
Plus, more original posts/shares below.
Spotlight on Technicians: Team members from Micron share their journeys on the “Talking Technicians Podcast”
“The Talking Technicians Podcast (direct episode links with their names), produced by the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), recently featured Ashley and Joey from Micron Technology, offering valuable insights into technician career pathways that begin in community and technical colleges. Ashley, an RDA process technician in Manassas, Virginia, discussed how her hands-on education and internship experience prepared her for a cleanroom role inspecting semiconductor wafers, while Joey, now an equipment engineer in Boise, Idaho, shared how his technician background laid the foundation for career advancement. These episodes highlight the importance of technician roles in advanced manufacturing and demonstrate how skills first education models can lead to high impact careers, reinforcing the value of technician training programs and the role educators play in shaping the future workforce.”
–Again, our thanks to Micron and Kevin Phithak, SHRM-CP, Program Lead, Workforce Strategies.
As we step into October, exciting opportunities and highlights are unfolding across the micro and nano education community. From cleanroom facilities and workforce webinars to internship programs and professional development courses, here are five items worth sharing this week.
Photo: Rich Mikulak, Portland Community College
Building America’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline Webinar
Celebrate Manufacturing Day with the SMART USA Institute at a special online webinar: Building America’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline. Experts from industry, academia, and government will explore strategies to build awareness, create training pathways, and sustain a resilient talent ecosystem.
🗓 Date: Friday, October 3, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM PT
🔗 Register HERE !!!
From Classroom to Cleanroom: UCLA and CNSI Program
Students at UCLA are gaining valuable semiconductor training through the CNSI and UCLA Samueli’s semiconductor program, which bridges classroom learning with real-world cleanroom experience. The initiative equips students with hands-on skills critical for careers in microelectronics.
📖 Read the full story here: From classroom to cleanroom
Polar Semiconductor Summer Internship Applications Open
🌟 Applications are now open for Polar Semiconductor’s 2026 Summer Internship Program! Interns will gain hands-on experience working alongside industry experts in fields ranging from engineering and technology development to business roles like finance and marketing.
📩 Apply now via Workday: Polar Semiconductor internships
📖 Learn more from past interns: Internship blog
PCC Unveils New Teaching Cleanroom
Portland Community College (PCC) has opened a state-of-the-art teaching cleanroom at its Willow Creek campus, strengthening the region’s role in semiconductor workforce training. This cleanroom will support hands-on learning for students while helping meet industry demand for skilled technicians.
📖 Read more: PCC unveils teaching cleanroom
Above Photo: Rich Mikulak, PCC
Professional Development: Vacuum Science Course at Normandale
Normandale Community College is offering faculty the chance to audit the Foundations of Vacuum Science (VACT 1010) class this fall, with tuition and fees waived. The course provides a refresher in chemistry and algebra-level math concepts—essential foundations for future vacuum and thin film technology training.
🗓 Late start begins: October 20 – December 19, 2025
📌 Registration deadline: October 14, 2025
📧 Contact: Timothy.Lapanne@normandale.edu or Nancy.Louwagie@normandale.edu