WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
ADDRESSING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS
The innovation economy needs a workforce that is familiar with existing technology and nimble enough to adapt to emerging technology arenas. NY CREATES and our partners are building a pipeline for those interested in high-paying, high-tech careers by offering numerous strategic programs at many levels. Explore these programs and their impact below, from technical training opportunities, programming for veterans, internships for students, an introduction to innovation for K-12 students, and other ways you can learn about and get involved. Because careers in this ecosystem are for anyone with a high school diploma or a Ph.D.—and for everyone in between.
The Northeast Advanced Technological Education Center (NEATEC)
Through an extensive network of community college, university, and industry partners, NEATEC identifies the essential technician competencies and skills required for such a workforce. NEATEC will develop curricular components and delivery methods to impart those skills to students. NEATEC will also create and disseminate educational materials to support curricula implementation at its community college and high school partners to provide professional development activities for K-12 schools and community college faculty.
Additionally, through partner internships, co-ops, shadowing opportunities, and outreach activities, NEATEC will educate current and future students regarding technological career pathways to expand the pipeline of K-12 students interested in semiconductor and nanotechnology career options.
A key joint NY CREATES and SUNY program, NEATEC is an organization that won a $6M NSF award in 2019 to develop workforce training programs. It is a Regional Center for Semiconductor and Nanotechnology Education funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF DUE #1003574) to serve as a critical, sustainable resource to build and maintain a skilled technical workforce for the semiconductor and nanotechnology industries throughout New York and Western New England.
Vet S.T.E.P. (Semiconductor Training and Experience Program)
Vet S.T.E.P. (Semiconductor Training & Experience Program) is a DoD SkillBridge and an Army Career Skills Program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), hosted by NY CREATES. It is designed to prepare transitioning service members from all branches and veterans for technician careers in the semiconductor ecosystem (fabs, equipment and/or material suppliers). This 10-week program consists of a two-week, hands-on training at NY CREATES’ Albany Nanotech Complex. Topics covered in the 80 hours include:
- Advanced manufacturing practices (tool usage, measurement, schematic reading, safety, etc.)
- Pneumatics technology
- Basic electronics, sensors, and PLCs
- Vacuum technology
- Mechatronics (sensor identification, troubleshooting, problem resolution)
Immediately following the training, participants start their 8-week internship at a company that has agreed to host them and fits the service member’s geographical preference. Some of the companies currently hosting military interns include: GlobalFoundries, Wolfspeed, Indium, TEL, Universal Display, and Westerwood Global.
To learn more about VET S.T.E.P., please contact Dan Cochran at dcochran@ny-creates.org or visit https://ny-creates.org/vetstep
K-12 Programming
NY CREATES’ programs have been organized each year to excite the imagination of local K-12 students through organized tours of state-of-the-art fab and characterization facilities at the Albany NanoTech Complex, and in hands-on activities designed to increase familiarity with nanoscale science and technology concepts, including IC fabrication.
Want to bring your K-12 class here to show them an exciting future? Contact Elaine Garrett for more information.
Tech Valley High School
Tech Valley High School (TVHS) is located at NY CREATES’ Albany Nanotech Complex. TVHS offers the chance for its students to earn college credits for successful completion of nano-related courses and engage in the high-tech ecosystem.
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