TechBridge Access Grant

TechBridge Access Grant is sponsored by Idaho Technology Council. This grant provides financial assistance to mentees pursuing careers in Idaho's semiconductor and broader tech industry.

TechBridge Access Grant | Idaho Technology Council | ID info@idahotechcouncil. org The mentorship program is uniquely paired with the TechBridge Access Grant , which provides financial assistance to mentees pursuing careers in Idaho’s semiconductor and broader tech industry.

This grant will empower future tech leaders by bridging the gap between education, mentorship, and prospective employment in technology fields, with a focus on pathways into the semiconductor industry . CLICK HERE to access a broad list of potential career opportunities in the semiconductor industry.

This grant can provide financial support to help with costs associated with: Addiction and Recovery Support If you’re experiencing barriers to completing your education, you may qualify for financial assistance. Click the button below to apply for the Have more questions? Reach out to us!

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Programs to Enhance Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho The Semiconductor for All (S4A) Grant launched in July 2023. Initial funding from the Idaho Workforce Development Council was $5 million. Afterwards, Boise State University matched the amount for a total of $10 million.

The purpose of this grant is to grow an enduring semiconductor workforce in Idaho and the region by inviting and retaining a broad student pool. The grant will allow for the creation of pathways from elementary through high school and on to bachelor’s and doctoral degrees. Additionally, the grant will create opportunities for continuing education and professional development.

Semiconductor Technician Training In the Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (SMT) program, students will learn the skills required to work in many facets of the semiconductor manufacturing industry as technicians.

Students will gain the competencies to calibrate and maintain production equipment, run the chip production processes, work in quality assurance and quality control, and test chips to ensure their capabilities meet specifications. Additionally, they will gain an understanding of the underlying scientific and engineering principles that support the manufacturing process, giving them robust employment opportunities after graduation.

Mechatronics is a multifaceted field that utilizes many areas of mechanics including electronics automation computers hydraulics programmable logic controllers electrical systems and mechanical systems.

The Mechatronics program is designed to prepare students for employment as entry-level technicians and emphasizes extensive practical experience in both theory and laboratory settings using mock-up equipment and assemblies similar to those found in the industry.

Instruction includes theory troubleshooting and hands-on application in mechatronic concepts and principles programmable logic controllers pneumatics AC and DC electrical systems and motor controls. Successful completion of both the Mechatronics Program and Industrial Mechanic/Millwright Program and associated general education coursework will lead to an Advanced Technical Certificate or A. A.

S. Degree in Mechatronics. Semiconductors Across Idaho Building our professional semiconductor manufacturing workforce nationwide, the Next Generation Microelectronics Research Center (NGeM) provides world-class undergraduate and graduate education programs and research across the field of microelectronics.

University of Idaho College of Engineering students and faculty engage in industry-sponsored research projects funded by Micron, the National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Defense, among others.

Our graduates go on to careers that revitalize domestic memory chip manufacturing and mediate supply chain issues in the U.S. Training and certificate programs offer integrated expertise in microelectronic device design, fabrication and packaging, cybersecurity, plant safety, and related technologies, such as semiconductor physics, electrochemistry, corrosion, and their applications for semiconductor industry.

The center provides an interdisciplinary workspace for STEM education across all disciplines in engineering and science. The Mechatronics Engineering Technology degree at the College of Eastern Idaho prepares students to enter the workforce after graduation. Most graduates work in careers operating and maintaining electro-mechanical systems found in automated or robotically controlled environments.

Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary field that combines elements of mechanics, engineering, machining, controls, programming, robotics, and electronics. It synergizes these diverse fields to keep production lines, manufacturing floors, and industrial processes working smoothly and efficiently. What will I learn in the program?

Students enter the Mechatronic Engineering Technology (MET) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program after completion of the Energy Systems certificate program. In that program they learn the basics of DC (Direct Current) and AC (Alternating Current) electronic circuits, digital circuits, motor controls and wiring, and process control thus laying a solid foundation for success in the Mechatronics program.

Upon acceptance into the MET program students learn basic computer programming, robotic theory, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human Machine Interface), VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives), electronic circuits, mechanical principles, hydraulics, pneumatics, and automation. The final semester allows the student to integrate all prior learning into fully automated mechatronics systems.

Are you fascinated by the convergence of electronics, mechanics, and robotics? The Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is crafted to develop specialists in this exciting field. This program equips students with skills in electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, robotics, wireless communication, renewable energy, instrumentation, and industry-computerized control systems.

Ideal for careers in manufacturing, food processing, bio-medical, energy production, and more, mechatronics is a gateway to a myriad of tech jobs. Unique to this program is the acceptance of Idaho Skillstack® badges, allowing students to apply up to 15 credits of mechatronics-related skills toward their degree. This flexibility lets students customize their skills or enable industry-customized training.

Graduates of the Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology program emerge with a broad set of technical skills, making them highly marketable in a society increasingly reliant on automation and high-tech equipment.

Registered Apprenticeship Micron’s registered apprenticeship program utilizes the “earn while you learn" model which provides apprentices hands-on, on-the-job training while also affording them the flexibility to complete their education at the same time. Apprentices must enroll in an approved technical related certificate or 2-year associate degree.

Apprentices can work as a Process Technician, Equipment Technician, or a Lab Technician, depending on the location of their apprenticeship with Micron. We currently offer apprenticeships at our Idaho and Virginia fabs with plans to expand into other locations in the US. Apprentices receive competitive wages, progressive wage increases, health benefits, and tuition fees are covered by Micron.

This program is registered with the Department of Labor and upon completion, apprentices receive a nationally recognized credential they can take anywhere. Pathways to Semiconductor Brigham Young University–Idaho equips students for careers in the semiconductor industry through multiple degree pathways.

Both the Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering bachelor’s programs offer a microelectronics emphasis, focusing on VLSI design, circuit layout, and semiconductor device engineering. Additionally, the Chemistry and Physics programs develop foundational skills essential to the semiconductor field.

Collaborative, interdisciplinary coursework allows students to design and fabricate basic semiconductor devices through hands-on, project-based experiences. Several of our faculty join BYU-Idaho with significant professional experience in the microelectronics industry. Our hands-on, student-focused education prepares our students for fulfilling careers in the semiconductor industry and many others.

Automation Engineering/Mechatronics The Automation Engineering Technology Program is a hands-on, technical program designed to provide students with the necessary skills to obtain a position in the manufacturing industry. Manufacturing is very broad and encompasses many different industries and sectors; like food processing, automobiles, paper and plastic manufacturers, etc. To manufacture something is to make something.

No matter where you look you are using items that have been manufactured. Automation is the key to the future for manufacturing and people are needed to create and maintain the automation process. Students will learn about PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human Machine Interface), electronics, circuits, and automation and process control theories.

If you like making things, this degree program is for you. In our laboratory we have a variety of equipment that is used in the local manufacturing industry as well as offering a variety of internships to gain real world experience. Students in the program can earn a Basic Technical Certificate, an Intermediate Technical Certificate and an Associate of Applied Science.

What is the Semiconductor Industry? semiconductor industry is a critical sector that designs, manufactures, and distributes semiconductor materials and devices, which are the foundation of modern electronics. Semiconductors, commonly known as microchips or integrated circuits (ICs), are essential components in computers, smartphones, medical devices, automotive systems, industrial automation, and countless other technologies.

Key Aspects of the Semiconductor Industry Uses precise processes like lithography and etching to create tiny circuits on silicon wafers. Advanced robotics and machines ensure precision and efficiency in production. Semiconductors drive innovation in computing, automotive, healthcare, and telecommunications.

AI, quantum computing, and new materials like silicon carbide are shaping the future. Importance of the Semiconductor Industry Drives Technological Innovation Semiconductors enable advancements in AI, automation, and cloud computing. It’s a multi-trillion-dollar global industry, supporting millions of jobs in research, design, and manufacturing.

National Security & Supply Chain Governments invest heavily in semiconductor production to ensure supply chain resilience, as seen in initiatives like the Mechatronics combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and control systems to create smart machines and automated systems.

It integrates hardware and software to develop technologies like industrial robots, self-driving cars, and automated manufacturing. By optimizing mechanical, electronic, and software interactions, mechatronics drives innovation in industries such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer electronics, enhancing efficiency, performance, and reliability.

Key Aspects of Mechatronics Designs self-operating systems for manufacturing, healthcare, and consumer products. Sensors & Control Systems Uses sensors and microcontrollers to monitor and adjust machine operations. Integrates software and AI to enhance automation and decision-making.

Found in robotics, automotive (self-driving cars), aerospace, and medical devices. Importance of Mechatronics Mechatronics drives advancements in robotics, AI, and IoT, making industries more efficient and innovative. Economic Growth & Job Creation A key player in manufacturing, automotive, and healthcare, providing high-demand careers in automation and system design.

Enhances Productivity & Precision Mechatronic systems improve accuracy and efficiency in industrial processes, reducing human error and costs. Supports Emerging Technologies Essential in self-driving cars, medical robotics, and smart factories, shaping the future of automation. How are these industries related?

The mechatronics and semiconductor industries are closely linked, as mechatronics powers the automation and precision required in semiconductor manufacturing. They will continue to drive innovation hand in hand, evolving alongside advancements in AI, automation, and nanotechnology. Automation in Fabrication Robotics and motion control systems handle silicon wafers, optimize lithography, and ensure precision in chip production.

Semiconductor Equipment Development Mechatronics is crucial in designing photolithography machines, etching tools, and automated testing systems. Semiconductors in Mechatronics Chips, sensors, and AI processors power mechatronic systems in robotics, automation, and IoT.

automation engineers, equipment engineers, and embedded systems specialists Established by the CHIPS and Science Act of the U.S. government, the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) is a public-private consortium dedicated to semiconductor R&D in the United States.

The NSTC convenes industry, academia, and government from across the semiconductor ecosystem to address the most challenging barriers to continued technological progress in the domestic semiconductor industry, including the need for a skilled workforce. The NSTC reflects a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the U.S. to drive the pace of innovation, set standards, and secure global leadership in semiconductor design and manufacturing.

Natcast is a purpose-built, non-profit entity designated to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) by the Department of Commerce. org . This program is funded by the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) Workforce Partner Alliance (WFPA) program.

This award will support an innovative workforce development program in Idaho to close critical workforce and skills gaps across the U.S. semiconductor industry. Our mission is to build a strong tech community in Idaho by bringing people together, supporting tech education, and advocating for policies that promote sustainable growth. Together, we’re making Idaho a top destination for technology and innovation.