Initial Course Programs Designed to Meet Rising Industry Demand for Technicians

MILPITAS, Calif. — May 14, 2023 — Aiming to help the global semiconductor industry address its talent gap by training and upskilling workers, SEMI today announced that its SEMI University™ learning platform now offers online course certification programs designed to fast-track semiconductor career development. Tailored to help meet burgeoning industry demand for technicians, the first two SEMI University Semiconductor Certification Programs 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 1 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 program. “Technicians are in the highest demand, accounting for roughly 40% of the semiconductor workforce worldwide. The SEMI University Certification Program will help meet the industry’s pressing need for a diverse range of training and certification programs to close the talent gap.”

“SEMI University’s new Semiconductor Certification Programs 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 programs 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 Programs include:

• The Semiconductor Technician Certification equips new semiconductor industry workers with the skills necessary to excel in chip manufacturing. The certification program 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.

About SEMI University
The SEMI University learning platform offers more than 575 online courses tailored for the semiconductor industry, providing easy-to-use online training in multiple languages for employees ranging from recently hired facility operators to experienced technicians, engineers and non-technical staff. SEMI U also offers in-person trainings. See the SEMI University Course Calendar.

About the SEMI Workforce Development Program
SEMI has offered in-person training and technology trend for updates more than 50 years, and it hosts webinars covering SEMI standards, market dynamics and semiconductor manufacturing and design best practices. SEMI University builds on this experience and adds to the association’s holistic Workforce Development program offered by the SEMI Foundation.

The non-profit arm of SEMI, the SEMI Foundation works to increase awareness of semiconductor industry careers, connect member companies with university students for mentoring and internships, attract and train military veterans, and develop a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Learn more about semiconductor industry career paths at the SEMI Foundation Career Portal.

About SEMI
SEMI^® is the global industry association connecting over 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON^® expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit  www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on  LinkedIn and  X to learn more.

Association Contact

Michael Hall/SEMI US
Phone: 1.408.943.7988
Email: Email Contact