NY Creates Showcases Global Collaboration and Innovation at SEMICON Europa 2025

NY Creates team at SEMICON Europa

The NY Creates team wrapped up a strong attendance at SEMICON Europa in Munich, Germany, and engaging with international partners, meeting new potential collaborators, and further expanding our global presence as a leader in semiconductor innovation and R&D. As the semiconductor industry becomes more interconnected than ever, this year’s conference underscored the essential role of international cooperation in shaping a resilient, sustainable future.

From the exhibit floor to technical sessions and partner meetings, Create’s leaders highlight how our organization continues to drive world-class research, strengthen global networks, and support the semiconductor ecosystem’s growth across continents.

Spotlight on Industry Sustainability Leadership

A key moment of the week was a presentation by Frank Tolic, Director of Business Development at Creates, titled “Industry Sustainability Initiatives at NY Creates.” Frank outlined how, as global semiconductor demand accelerates, the industry must pair rapid innovation with responsible environmental stewardship.

He also highlighted Creates’ Sustainability Test Bed Program, an initiative designed to help partners evaluate and scale next-generation industry sustainability solutions. From energy efficiency to water conservation and emissions reduction, the program provides a platform for collaborative research and actionable results. Frank also underscored Creates’ ongoing work with groups such as SEMI’s Semiconductor Climate Consortium, reinforcing our commitment to advancing industry sustainability.

Advancing International R&D and Workforce Partnerships

Throughout the week, the Creates team spotlighted how international collaboration continues to accelerate discovery, enhance workforce training, and build a more robust technology pipeline. Whether through cross-border R&D efforts, shared technology development, joint workforce programs, or academic partnerships, these connections are essential for strengthening the global semiconductor supply chain.

Creates presence at SEMICON Europa, showcasing how our organization is expanding its international engagement strategy and deepening relationships that directly impact innovation and sustainable growth for our partners and the broader industry.

A Growing Global Brand

This year’s conference reinforced Creates’ as a world leader in semiconductor R&D and innovation. With growing interest from organizations across Europe, our presence at this international conference reflects the increasing recognition of our cutting-edge Albany NanoTech Complex facilities. SEMICON Europa once again provided a valuable platform for bringing together industry experts, leading companies, and respected institutions committed to advancing next-generation technologies. Creates was proud to contribute to that conversation, and we look forward to building on the momentum from throughout the week into collaborative innovations that drive tomorrow’s technology.

NY Creates also plans to attend SEMICON Japan in December, participating with a booth (located in West Hall 4, W3563) and presentation.

NY Creates Showcases Innovation, Workforce Development, and Industry Leadership at SEMICON West 2025

Team NY Creates at SEMICON West 2025

NY Creates took center stage at this year’s SEMICON West conference, participating in multiple engaging sessions that highlighted the organization’s leadership in semiconductor innovation, workforce development, and collaboration across the semiconductor ecosystem. Held in Phoenix, Arizona, SEMICON West “wrangled” together global leaders from across the industry to discuss the innovative technologies, groundbreaking R&D, and new workforce development initiatives to drive partnerships that continue shaping the future of the semiconductor industry.

Throughout the week, Creates leaders and experts shared insights on topics ranging from artificial intelligence, sustainability, workforce development and recruitment strategies, and more.

Creates President, David Anderson, moderated an executive panel titled, “Powering the Next Decade: AI’s Impact on Semiconductor Infrastructure and Market.” This robust discussion examined how artificial intelligence is transforming semiconductor design, manufacturing, and supply chain operations. Pres. Anderson was joined by a distinguished panel of industry leaders, including Angada Sachid (ASM), Mukesh Khare (IBM), Laura Matz (Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), and Mark Dougherty (Tokyo Electron US). Together, they explored how AI will drive technological advancement and reshape the semiconductor landscape over the coming decade.

Creates Vice President for Education and Workforce Development, Dr. Robert Geer, joined GlobalFoundries Workforce Development Lead, Christine McLear to present, “Building a Collaborative Regional Consortium for Semiconductor Workforce Development” at the Workforce Development session. The presentation explored how partnerships among industry, academia, and government are fueling a new generation of high-tech talent, supporting the semiconductor ecosystem, and ensuring a strong, sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals.

At that same session, Justin Rivers, Creates Director of Recruitment and Employment, presented “From Job Application to Onboarding: How to Lock Down the Position You Are Seeking” at the Workforce Development Pavilion. Drawing on years of experience in human resources and recruitment, Rivers shared practical advice for professionals pursuing careers in high-tech fields — including opportunities at Creates. Many in the large crowd stayed after the talk to ask Justin for his advice, with a line of interested individuals that lasted more than a half hour.

On Wednesday, Creates Sustainability Engineering Manager, Irina Spiry, took part in the SEMI Semiconductor Climate Consortium Scope 1 Working Group Gases Panel. Engaging discussions from the panel provided an opportunity for attendees to hear input on this topic and our creation of a testbed at Creates that will address important aspects of gas alternatives and abatement. 

Beyond the presentations, attendees were invited to connect with Creates representatives at their booth, where the team showcased the organization’s expanding role as a hub for research, innovation, and workforce growth in semiconductors.

Creates also recorded live episodes of its NanoChat podcast throughout the conference, featuring exclusive interviews with industry experts on topics such as recruitment, workforce development, and sustainability. 

The Creates team extends its appreciation to everyone who stopped by the booth, attended a session, or joined a conversation. Together with its partners and collaborators, Creates continues to drive innovation, strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem, and shape what’s next for advanced technologies.

If you would like to follow up with Creates following the SEMICON West Conference, you can do so by emailing contact@ny-creates.org.

Also, stay tuned for upcoming NanoChat episodes recorded live from the SEMICON West floor, and learn more about how Creates is redefining the future of the semiconductor industry.

A Fresh Look for a Future-Focused Mission

3D rendering Albany NanoTech Complex with NY Creates logo
3D rendering of Albany NanoTech Complex with NY Creates logo

Check out Creates’ new look, with a fresh logo, updated visual identity, and new branding resources reflecting our commitment to sustainability, collaboration, and innovation.

NY Creates President Dave Anderson

“I am excited to share that we have officially launched a refresh of our organization’s logo and updated our branding guidelines, marking the  dynamic evolution of NY Creates. This rebranding reflects more than a progressive new look. It represents and highlights our continued commitment to being at the forefront of innovation and collaboration.

Our new visual design elements incorporate a vivid green, underscoring our commitment to industry sustainability while signaling a forward-looking, strategic focus on our partners, stakeholders, and the next generation of high-tech talent.”

— Dave Anderson, President, NY Creates

Accelerating Innovation

Creates’ Albany NanoTech Complex is a world-renowned hub for research and development, commercialization of nanotechnology, and semiconductor innovation. 

Located in Albany, New York, it has evolved over decades into a leading center for cutting-edge scientific exploration and a major hub for collaborating with industry partners across the globe. The 1.65 million square foot NanoTech complex boasts more than $25 billion in high-tech investments and myriad corporate partners, with approximately 3,000 semiconductor-related jobs on site.

Our core values and the foundation of Creates drives our work everyday

Integrity

Transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship.

Collaboration

Bridging government, academia, and industry to build stronger innovation ecosystems.

Innovation

Advancing solutions that drive economic and environmental progress.

Excellence

World-class facilities and people delivering measurable impact.

Community

Nurturing future engineers and strengthening local and regional collaboration.

Check out the fresh branding on our Social Media accounts

We’re excited to introduce the new Creates visual identity, a modern logo and brand that reflects our commitment to sustainability, collaboration, and innovation across our social media channels.

Linkedin Facebook Instagram X-twitter Youtube

Branding Contact

For questions related to the updated branding, or to request co-branded materials, please contact:

The Marketing Department | marketing@ny-creates.org

Jason Conwall, Director of Marketing and Strategic Affairs | jconwall@ny-creates.org

We’re proud to share this fresh look with our community. The brand reflects who we are, an organization powered by integrity, collaboration, and a relentless focus on innovation.

NY CREATES Welcomes MIT Microelectronics Interns for In-Depth Tour and Hands-On Experience

NY CREATES was proud to host students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as part of the Northeast Microelectronics Internship Program, offering these future innovators a firsthand look at advanced semiconductor research and development efforts at our Albany NanoTech Complex.

With support from the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub (NORDTECH), the visit gave interns a comprehensive overview of the important role NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex plays in strengthening semiconductor R&D, economic advancement, and workforce development capabilities in New York and throughout the United States. During their tour, the students were joined by representatives from the Northeast Microelectronics Commons Hub (NEMC), underscoring the collaborative spirit of the Microelectronics Hubs that drives this workforce development initiative forward.

The experience included an in-depth tour of NY CREATES’ 300mm cleanroom facilities and leading-edge infrastructures, where students saw how advanced technologies are developed through public-private partnerships that span academia, government, and industry partnerships.

One of the highlights of the visit was a hands-on educational session led by an Instructional Support Technician from the University at Albany, Stephen Stewart. This educational session guided the students through the fundamentals of semiconductor processing, offering a rare and valuable opportunity to connect classroom knowledge with real-world chip fabrication techniques.

To conclude their day, the students made a final stop at GlobalFoundries in Malta, a key industry partner in the region’s microelectronics ecosystem. There, they gained additional perspective on how research transitions to high-volume manufacturing and contributes to a resilient domestic supply chain.

The MIT interns’ visit exemplifies the importance of building meaningful connections between education, research, and industry. We’re proud to support the development of the next generation of high-tech workforce, and we look forward to continuing to open doors for young minds shaping the future of trailblazing technologies.

NY CREATES Signs Five Future Cleanroom Operators at Capital Region BOCES CTE National Signing Day

Image courtesy of Capital Region BOCES

As part of the 2025 Career and Technical Education (CTE) National Signing Day celebration, NY CREATES proudly recognized five exceptional high school seniors who have committed to joining our team as Cleanroom Operators (CRO I) upon graduation.

CTE National Signing Day honors students across the country as they sign letters of intent to begin careers in skilled trades, technical fields, or continue their education—highlighting the value of hands-on learning, technical training, and direct-to-career pathways.

Each student will graduate this June from their home school district and their Capital Region BOCES CTE program, officially beginning their transition from student to skilled professional in New York’s advanced manufacturing and semiconductor workforce.

Capital Region BOCES and NY CREATES 2025 Signing Day Class:

  • Giovanni Blenman – Electrical Trades, Schenectady City School District
    Ariana Nahlupin – Cosmetology, South Colonie Central School District  
  • Tristan Szesnat – Electrical Trades, Mohonasen Central School District
    Spencer Tracy – Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC/R), Mohonasen Central School District
  • Hayden Hyslop – Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology, RCS Central School District (not pictured)

These students will be offered Cleanroom Operator (CRO I) positions at NY CREATES following graduation, and we are thrilled to support their launch into meaningful careers at the Albany NanoTech Complex, celebrating their achievements in partnership with Capital Region BOCES and their home districts.

Their signing and committing to start their careers at NY CREATES reflects the power of strong education-to-career pathways and the bright future of the semiconductor industry in our region. We looking forward to welcoming these future innovators to NY CREATES soon! 

Media Coverage:

News10 ABC: BOCES students commit to jobs with area businesses

Capital Region Chamber: Capital Region BOCES National Signing Day is a Success: 40 Area Teens Sign Letters of Intent to Work in the Skilled Trades

Empowering Workforce Development and Student Innovators Through Leading-edge Tech at NY CREATES

At NY CREATES, providing opportunities for hands-on training with advanced semiconductor research tools is a significant aspect of workforce development and student education. One such tool that is now being used for research and analysis is the Bruker D8 DISCOVER Plus, an X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) used for materials characterization in both academic and industry settings.

Innovative Technology Applications

X-ray diffraction is a technique that enables the precise analysis of the structure and composition of a wide variety of materials by investigating their crystalline structure and measuring how X-rays interact with the material’s atoms.

This process allows users to identify compounds by analyzing their atomic arrangement, providing a unique “fingerprint” of the material. Thin films and layered structures can also be investigated to determine thickness, interface roughness, and density, and measurement of the internal stress of stacked layers helps ensure high-performance material properties in semiconductor applications. Analysis of a material’s crystalline quality also supports the optimization of material performance in next-generation electronics

Bridging Education and Industry 

Access to the X-ray diffractometer can be valuable for students and researchers preparing for careers in semiconductor-related fields, especially because the configuration of the instrument at the NY CREATES lab offers great experimental flexibility and fast, very reliable results. This particular instrument also has an Atlas goniometer, and a non-coplanar arm, both with very stringent specifications in terms of resolution, accuracy and repeatability, that make it one of the most advanced in the industry. 

NY CREATES provides training for students and individual researchers to operate the Bruker D8 DISCOVER Plus independently, helping them develop practical skills in materials characterization and data analysis. This experience not only strengthens their technical expertise but also enhances their career readiness, making them competitive candidates for industry roles upon graduation.

Beyond student training, this cutting-edge tool also serves as a resource for on-site partners, who are able to utilize it for high-precision data analysis of several different materials. In this way, its availability at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex contributes to collaboration between academic institutions and industry partners.

Shaping the Future of Semiconductor Talent

As semiconductor technology continues to evolve, exposure and accessibility to innovative R&D tools remain important components of workforce development. This diffractometer is just one of several resources available at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex that support technical training, research, and collaboration with industry and academic partners. 

Providing valuable training with these tools empowers students and researchers to develop real-world technical expertise in materials science and semiconductor engineering and serves to strengthen connections between amongst members of the site’s unique chips-focused ecosystem.

Bringing Global Expertise to Advance Memory Technologies in New York

NY CREATES, with its expert staff and partners based at its Albany NanoTech Complex, stands at the forefront of semiconductor research and development. The Albany NanoTech Complex acts as a global hub for enabling significant advancements in chip technologies, and a key reason this is possible is its many collaborative partnerships.

Recently, NY CREATES took an exciting step to further bolster its R&D capabilities by announcing a cooperative partnership between NY CREATES and CEA-Leti. Established by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) this past June, the collaboration represents a unique opportunity for both organizations to leverage their respective technical expertise on groundbreaking MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random-Access Memory) projects.

NY CREATES and CEA-Leti Announce Strategic Research Partnership

As a result of this growing partnership, NY CREATES also welcomed Remi Coquand, an R&D Integration Engineer and experienced researcher with CEA-Leti technology research institute in Grenoble, France, to its Albany facility. While NY CREATES boasts world-class manufacturing facilities and expertise, CEA-Leti, along with SpinTec, is renowned for its cutting-edge research in magnetic materials and designs. By combining these organizations’ respective knowledge, their R&D teams aim to push the boundaries of new technologies and deliver innovative results on cutting-edge memory device projects.

Remi’s seamless integration into NY CREATES’ R&D teams is vital to this partnership’s success. His technical expertise and deep passion for semiconductor and memory technologies will drive project synergy.

After earning his PhD and joining CEA-Leti in 2013, Remi has since had the opportunity to work on a wide range of technical projects, including a stint at the IBM Joint Development Program, located in Albany, NY, from 2015 to 2018. “I had the chance to work with a lot of people from New York, and when I went back to France in 2018, I knew that I’d be back here someday,” Remi recalls.

Remi's Family in NYC
Remi's Family Traveling
Remi's Family Holiday Outing

That promise has now come to fruition, as Remi has returned to team up with the NY CREATES’ R&D teams. He is now part of the integration team, focusing on the development of MRAM technologies.

“The main reason for CEA-Leti and NY CREATES to make this connection is to bring some insights from the technological advancements we know at CEA in terms of device behavior, electrical testing, and designs of magnetic materials,” he explains. “I’m just a piece of a larger puzzle, and I’m looking forward to bringing as much knowledge as possible to the table to advance MRAM technologies.”

The joint development agreement included Remi as an assignee in the U.S., based in New York, for at least two years, with the potential to extend the partnership further based on project completion. This long-term commitment from CEA-Leti and the value that Remi’s expertise brings to project development underscores the significance of memory technologies to both organizations.

Remi and his family are excited to return to New York as his work continues to drive innovation. “It’s exciting to have my family back here in New York and to have the kids rediscover the area,” Remi shares. “It’s all part of an adventure; we are the adventure.”

By tapping into international talent and expertise, NY CREATES’ continues solidifying its position as a hub for groundbreaking semiconductor research and development. As Remi settles into his new role, the excitement is palpable. “The excitement is being a part of something this big, where anything you can know, try, test, or anything can end up in a manufacturing company to high-volume manufacturing,” he says. “That’s exciting.

With Remi’s arrival and expertise, a cross-Atlantic partnership among allied organizations is set to further drive the future of innovation and technology from New York to France, with the potential to improve the technologies we use each day.

Media Coverage:

CBS6 News: NY CREATES strengthens global microchip industry with diverse international collaborations

Strengthening Global Innovation & Building Partnerships: NY CREATES at 2024 SEMICON Japan

NY CREATES proudly showcased its collaborative spirit in driving semiconductor innovation and international collaboration at this year’s SEMICON Japan event. This premier conference brought together leaders in the semiconductor manufacturing supply chain for the latest insights, trends, and innovations. It also marked a significant step forward in creating lasting global partnerships that can benefit New York / U.S. and Japan, as NY CREATES engaged with key partners, industry leaders, and government representatives to accelerate global progress in semiconductor technologies.

Building Strategic Partnerships

NY CREATES and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) announced a strategic partnership to drive international collaboration in the semiconductor industry, highlighting a commitment to promoting advanced chips-related research and development, technology alliances, and workforce development across the high-tech ecosystems of New York’s Capital Region and Japan. This collaboration aims to strengthen U.S.-Japan ties in the semiconductor industry and connect leading organizations in both countries, leveraging their networks to drive innovation in semiconductor technologies while leveraging each other’s strengths to bolster their respective high-tech ecosystems. Read more about the announcement HERE.

Driving Collaboration Through Thought Leadership

NY CREATES Associate VP for Business Development, Frank Tolic, delivered an engaging presentation titled, “Semiconductor Industry Trends in the U.S. and Opportunities for Collaboration with U.S. Companies.” A large crowd gained valuable insights into how strengthened U.S.-Japan collaboration can accelerate semiconductor advancements and unlock mutual opportunities for innovation and economic growth.

View a short video by JETRO featuring Frank Tolic here.

Senior Director of International Partnerships at Empire State Development, Carin Rising shared her presentation, “U.S. Semiconductor Landscape, Innovations, and Opportunities.” She emphasized New York’s growing global semiconductor-related partnerships, highlighting NY CREATES as an integral part of the United States’ innovation ecosystem during the presentation at SEMICON Japan.

Strengthening Existing Partnerships

Supporting a partnership from an earlier agreement announced in August between New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the Hokkaido government to promote semiconductor R&D and workforce development, NY CREATES leaders and the business development team connected with Hokkaido government members at SEMICON Japan. These discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment to creating a robust, global semiconductor ecosystem anchored by high-tech R&D hubs. Read more about this partnership announcement HERE.

Adding to the momentum, NY CREATES signed a strategic partnership agreement with ADVANTEC CO., LTD to advance semiconductor R&D. NY CREATES is thrilled to embark on this journey with ADVANTEC and looks forward to unlocking new opportunities for the future of semiconductor innovation.

A Collaborative Future

The NY CREATES business development team was on-site throughout the event to explore opportunities for collaboration, share insights, and connect with partners who are passionate about advancing semiconductor R&D, economic development, and workforce training. SEMICON Japan provided NY CREATES an invaluable opportunity to foster international connections, strengthen strategic partnerships, and showcase its role as a leader in the global semiconductor ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

Thank you to all our partners, attendees, and collaborators who made this week at SEMICON Japan so impactful. From strategic partnerships, to engaging discussions on global collaboration and R&D, this week underscored the importance of working together to build a strong global semiconductor future.

Let’s continue driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and strengthening the semiconductor industry’s future together!

NY CREATES Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week 

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), observed annually in November, shines a spotlight on the transformative power of Registered Apprenticeships (RA) in shaping the workforce of the future. At NY CREATES, we proudly joined the nationwide celebration, showcasing our commitment to cultivating pathways into rewarding careers in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries. In collaboration with the Center for Economic Growth (CEG), National Institute for Innovation and Career Advancement (NiiCA), and Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), NY CREATES hosted and participated in several impactful events throughout this notable week.

National Apprenticeship Week Events Highlights
  • Monday, November 18: National Apprenticeship Week Kick-Off Event

The week began with an energizing Coffee Connection hosted by the Center for Economic Growth. Our own NY CREATES Education and Workforce Outreach Development Manager, Capri O’Hara, participated in a panel discussion and networked with community leaders, industry professionals, and apprenticeship advocates to discuss the importance of RAs in fostering a skilled workforce.

D1 CRO Team
  • Tuesday, November 19: Lunch and Learn with NY CREATES, NiiCA, HVCC, and CEG with D1 Team Monthly Check-in Meeting

NY CREATES hosted a meet and greet opportunity during our monthly check-in meeting with our D1 team cleanroom operators (CRO). This collaborative event featured CRO apprentices and managers, highlighting the essential roles they play in the RA ecosystem. Together with NiiCA, CEG, and HVCC, we celebrated the commitment of our apprentices and the managers who mentor them, symbolizing the strength of our partnerships.

IMG_0352
  • Thursday, November 21: Lunch and Learn with NY CREATES, NiiCA, HVCC, and CEG with D2 Team Monthly Check-In Meeting

We hosted another meet and greet opportunity during our monthly check-in meeting with our D2 team cleanroom operators. This meeting brought NY CREATES, NiiCA, HVCC, CEG, and CRO teams together to discuss ongoing progress and share insights from our RA initiatives. These meetings reinforce our collective efforts to support and scale workforce development programs.
  • Friday, November 22: Capital Region BOCES and NiiCA Roundtable Discussion

The week concluded with a dynamic roundtable event, hosted by Capital Region BOCES, featuring Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) who led an insightful discussion alongside industry leaders, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations. They discussed how Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) create pathways to high-demand careers in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors. Our own NY CREATES Chief Human Resources Officer, Will Bronner, joined this roundtable event, highlighting our Vet S.T.E.P. and recently established Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductors(GAINS) apprenticeship programs.

Read more about the roundtable event here: Congressman Paul Tonko Joins National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ and Industry Leaders for National Apprenticeship Week Roundtable to Strengthen New York’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline.

 The Transformative Impact of Registered Apprenticeships

Registered Apprenticeships offer a proven model for connecting individuals with in-demand careers while equipping employers with a skilled workforce. At NY CREATES, we are deeply committed to expanding these opportunities within the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors. By partnering with organizations like CEG, NiiCA, and HVCC, we are driving innovation, fostering career growth, and building a resilient talent pipeline that supports the future of American manufacturing.

As we reflect on this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, we extend our gratitude to the apprentices, mentors, and partners who make a bright future in advanced manufacturing and technology possible.

NY CREATES Announced Candidates for 2024 Cleanroom Operator Registered Apprenticeship Program

NY CREATES cleanroom and cleanroom operators walking

The National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ (NIICA) and NY CREATES, announced the debut of the first cohort of apprentices entering its newly established Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). This competency-based program, which will support development of the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing workforce at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex, is part of NIICA’s overall Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductors (GAINS) program. The Center for Economic Growth, the region’s group sponsor and NIICA partner, is the sponsor of the program. 

After a comprehensive interview process conducted by an experienced selection committee, it was announced that the five candidates for the 2024 NY CREATES Cleanroom Operator (CRO) RAP are as follows:

  • Wayne Burt, D1 META – Research Support Specialist: Wayne holds an associate degree in Semiconductor Technology and brings a wealth of research experience to the program.
  • Lea Montana, D2 CSR – Research Technician III: Lea’s background in Applied Science, with courses in Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics, makes her a perfect fit for advancing in cleanroom operations.
  • Joseph Davignon, D1 CSR, Research Technician II: Joseph, who has a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media, combines technical expertise with innovative problem-solving skills.
  • Quazi Ummehany, D1 CSR, Research Technician III: Quazi, who earned a Master of Management and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, offers a unique perspective and leadership potential.
  • Kyle Huffer, D2 META, Research Technician II: Kyle is a Columbia High School graduate with remarkable dedication and eagerness to excel in the semiconductor industry.we
From Left to Right: Joe Rodino (CRO Manager), Kyle Huffer (D2 META), Lea Montana (D2 CSR), Rick McDonald (CRO Manager)
Sean Roberts (CRO Manager), Joseph Davignon (D1 CSR)
Ryan Moore (CRO Manager), Quaszi Ummehany (D1 CSR)
Paul Woodin (CRO Manager), Wayne Burt (D1 META)

Program Overview:

The RAP will emphasis training current NY CREATES CRO employees, many of whom hold associate and bachelor’s degrees, accelerating their on-the-job training. Phase two will expand to include external recruitment from educational institutions in the K-12 system, creating a seamless pathway for graduating high school students to transition into apprenticeships at NY CREATES’ state-of-the-art research facility, which is supporting national efforts, such as the U.S. CHIPS & Science Act, and aims to enable future-related initiatives, such as the National Semiconductor Technology Center, that could mean billions of dollars in investments and hundreds of additional high-tech careers. 

Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), a key regional training provider for NIICA’s GAINS RAPs, is playing an important role in delivering the Related Technical Instruction (RTI) for the NY CREATES program. This collaboration with NY CREATES marks the second apprenticeship partnership with NIICA for HVCC, following their successful involvement in the first semiconductor apprenticeship program with GlobalFoundries.

Key Benefits:

  • Mentorship: Each apprentice will be paired with a mentor in the fab, ensuring guidance, safety, and support throughout the program.
  • Education: The program covers the cost of four courses (13 credits) at HVCC, valued at $6,000, which are stackable toward associate degrees.
  • Certification: Upon completion, apprentices will earn a nationally recognized Certificate of Completion from the New York State Department of Labor, signifying their mastery at the journey worker level.
  • Career Advancement: Program graduates are eligible to apply for open technician positions and are guaranteed an interview upon submission of their applications.

We also want to recognize CRO managers, Paul Woodin, Ryan Moore, Sean Roberts, Joe Rodino, and Rick McDonald for their dedication, time, and commitment to our apprenticeship program. Their support and leadership throughout this program not only contribute to the growth and development of their CRO team members that were selected for this program, but also plays a vital role in the overall success of this significant workforce development program at NY CREATES.

This apprenticeship program is a direct pathway to career advancement in the semiconductor industry, and we are excited to see these talented candidates improve their technical skills and how they will make a difference in cleanroom operations, driving improved research and development, and advancing prototyping capabilities. 

For more information about this program, and the organization’s impact on supporting and leading similar workforce development initiatives, please visit www.ny-creates.org.

Read the NY CREATES press release about this program HERE.