edfas.org 27 ELECTRONIC DEVICE FAILURE ANALYSIS | VOLUME 28 NO. 3 • The specialized skills needed such as semiconductor design, process engineering, and compound semiconductor fabrication are not widely taught in standard STEM programs. • Rapid technological change means the skills required today could look very different five years from now. Without a robust workforce, innovation will slow, production will lag, and the U.S. could lose its competitive edge. For example, MMEC is working with University of Southern California and Northrup Grumman to incor- porate GaN device fabrication modules into electrical engineering programs that will ensure graduates are ready for high-demand power electronics roles on day one. EXPANDING VOCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION PATHWAYS Not every role requires a four-year degree. Many highpaying jobs in semiconductor manufacturing, packaging, and testing can be filled by skilled technicians with the right training. MMEC is building short-term training programs and certifications in partnership with industry. These include: • Semiconductor Manufacturing Technician Certification: covering cleanroom protocols, wafer handling, and process monitoring. • Advanced Packaging Skills Modules: training on 2.5D/3D integration, heterogeneous integration, and advanced interconnects. • GaN and SiC Device Processing: specialized courses for compound semiconductor manufacturing. Making these certifications portable and recognized across the industry gives workers career mobility while helping employers find talent faster. RESKILLING AND UPSKILLING THE CURRENT WORKFORCE Technology moves fast, and skills must evolve to match. MMEC is creating continuing education programs so current professionals can pivot into emerging areas. For instance: Process engineers can train in AI-driven design automation; RF engineers can expand into widebandgap power devices; Maintenance technicians can learn predictive maintenance with IoT tools. By partnering with companies to co-develop these programs, we ensure the skills taught directly match market needs. LEVERAGING PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS We believe no single entity can solve the workforce challenge alone. MMEC is a catalyst for partnerships between industry, academia, and government. Industry provides real-world projects, mentorship, and funding support. Academia supplies research expertise, facilities, and student talent. And government can offer incentives, grants, and policy support through CHIPS Act initiatives. As an example, MMEC collaborates with defense contractors, state governments, and regional economic MMEC’S MISSION: CLOSING THE GAP The Midwest Microelectronics Consortium (MMEC) was created to bring groundbreaking microelectronics innovation into scalable commercial production for the benefit of national security and economic dominance. As one of the nation’s Microelectronics Commons Hubs, MMEC serves as a collaborative bridge between government, industry, and academia. Our mission is to accelerate the commercialization of advanced microelectronics and build the workforce to support it. For workforce development, this means more than just training, it’s about building an entire talent pipeline, from inspiring middle school students to upskilling seasoned professionals. BUILDING EDUCATION AND TRAINING PIPELINES MMEC partners with universities, community colleges, and technical schools to align curricula with the real-world needs of microelectronics companies. This means: • Embedding semiconductor-focused content into engineering and technical degree programs. • Creating apprenticeships and internships where students work on live projects in design labs and fabrication facilities. • Sponsoring capstone projects that give students direct exposure to the challenges industry teams face. “WE’RE NOT JUST TRAINING FOR TODAY’S JOBS; WE’RE PREPARING A GENERATION TO LEAD IN TECHNOLOGIES THAT HAVEN’T EVEN BEEN INVENTED YET.” ERROL FLYNN, MMEC WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
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