KISSIMMEE, Fla. — It’s the first and only program in Florida offering college credits for a degree to be a semiconductor engineer technician.
Valencia College is leading a pathway to a cutting-edge industry that pays well.
What You Need To Know
This is the first college course in FL to earn an associates degree as a semiconductor technician
Graduates will be able to start with local tech companies at $40,000 to $50,000
More semiconductor companies are moving to Central Florida
Calvin Wilkinson is one of the first five students studying for the new Associate of Science Degree in Semiconductor Engineering. It’s being offered at Valencia College’s Kissimmee campus.
Wilkinson says, “I know that semiconductors are a huge industry.”
He adds, “I also know that semiconductors are the backbone of the artificial intelligence industry and just seeing how far that’s grown in the last few years. It’s incredible, and I want to be part of that.”
Lara Sharp is the dean of the School of Engineering, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing. She says everyone uses semiconductor chips every day.
Sharp points out, “Their cell phones. Their TVs. Their laptops. Video games. They all use chips. So, this is something that’s relevant to everyone.”
Sharp says the new degree will empower graduates to get a job paying at $40,000 to $50,000, working with SkyWater Technology, Lockheed Martin, Draper and L3 Harris. They are partners who are shaping the program’s curriculum.
Valencia College has a virtual clean room where students learn what it’s like to work in a real clean room, which is a pristine environment to help prevent semiconductor chips from getting scratched during production.
Sharp explains, “Having that knowledge beforehand on how to suit up and get ready to go into the clean room and how to actually work inside the clean room, and things like that, will make them more marketable.”
Provost Yolanda Brown oversees workforce education at Valencia College. Brown is focusing on the future as more semiconductor companies move to Central Florida.
She says, “As the jobs continue to open, our students, those who started with us, are the ones who can fill those jobs first.”
Semiconductors create chips that are used for everything, from mobile photos to TVs to video games. (Spectrum News 13/Keith Landry)
Wilkinson plans to build his career here in Orlando.
“This is an industry that is totally sustainable and stable for my future, so that’s why I’m pursuing it,” he adds.
Valencia semiconductor engineering graduates will be able to direct connect to the University of Central Florida, which will soon offer a bachelor’s degree in the same field.
Valencia College also offers a dual enrollment program so high school students can earn a clean room operator certificate and get a job right out of high school.