New Microcredential in Semiconductor Field

Tompkins Cortland Community College has developed a new microcredential program that will prepare people for employment in the semiconductor field. The 10-credit credential will provide students with the fundamental knowledge required to work safely and effectively in the semiconductor cleanroom environment as well as other high tech scientific facilities.

The Micro-Nano fabrication Safety Credential consists of four classes, with two taught at the Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility (CNF). The curriculum was developed by Tompkins Cortland Professor Sophia Georgiakaki in conjunction with CNF Director of Operations Ron Olson. Some of the classes needed for the microcredential will be offered in Spring 2023, with the complete offerings available in Fall 2023.

The need for skilled workers in the region has been highlighted recently with the announcement of Micron’s plans to build semiconductor fabrication plants near Syracuse, but the College actually began working on this program about a year ago in response to demand that already existed in the community. Throughout the development of the program, the College has worked with experts in the industry, like Christopher Martin, Director of Foundry Operations for Odyssey Semiconductor in Ithaca, who said. "The proposed microcredential program would add confidence to the hiring process by ensuring a basis of knowledge for job applicants to Odyssey or other semiconductor employers.”

With the semiconductor industry continuing to grow, both locally and worldwide, the need for skilled workers follow. Graduates of the new microcredential program will be well-positioned for their future.

For more information about this and any microcredential program offered at Tompkins Cortland Community College, please contact Carrie Whitmore, Director of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at 607.844.6586 or clw@tompkinscortland.edu.