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

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 want to 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

NY CREATES at SEMICON West 2024: A Journey Towards Sustainability and Innovation

NY CREATES at SEMICON West 2024

Our NY CREATES team was proud to attend SEMICON West this year, held in San Francisco from July 9-11. We were delighted to share our progress and collaborative efforts with our partners, highlighting our commitment to advancing the semiconductor industry. Check out the highlights:

Signing the MOU with SEMI

A significant highlight of our participation was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SEMI. This agreement underscores our dedication to promoting environmentally sustainable practices within the semiconductor industry. Together with SEMI, we aim to focus on joint development agreements and research programs that align with sustainable strategies, pushing the industry towards greener practices.

Workforce Development Seminar

Our Human Resources leaders, Justin Rivers and William Bronner, delivered an impactful presentation titled “Finding and Keeping Talent: Creating Inclusive Recruitment and Retention Strategies” at the SEMICON West Workforce Development seminar. They shared essential workforce development strategies and provided valuable insights into the industry’s future.

Additionally, Justin and Will participated in an exclusive interview and Q&A session on the NY CREATES NanoChat Podcast with hosts Steve Ference and Jenn Tetrault. This session delved deeper into the workforce development strategies they presented at the seminar, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of our initiatives.

Listen to the NY CREATES NanoChat Podcast HERE 

Podcast Discussions

Our Vice President of Strategies, Partnerships & New Ventures, and Chief Operating Officer, Paul Kelly along with SEMI’s Vice President of Sustainability Programs, Dr. Mousumi Bhat, were featured on a SEMI/3D InCites podcast with host Françoise von Trapp. They discussed the newly announced environmental sustainability MOU partnership between NY CREATES and SEMI and the critical role of the SEMI Climate Consortium in fostering sustainable practices in the semiconductor industry.

Engaging with Our Community

Our NY CREATES team was delighted to engage with so many SEMICON West conference attendees this year, and shared insights about our company’s expanding chip capacity, advancing economic growth, and the future addition of the High NA EUV Lithography Center at the Albany NanoTech Complex. We also highlighted the world-class New York State ecosystem, our environmental sustainability partnership with SEMI, and our workforce development initiatives. We look forward to the innovative collaborations and in-depth conversations that will result from our participation at this premier microelectronics event.

3D InCites podcast host, Francoise von Trapp had the opportunity to speak with our NY CREATES‘ COO and VP of Strategies, Partnerships & New Ventures, Paul Kelly, and Mousumi Bhat, SEMI Americas VP of Sustainability Program at SEMICON West 2024. They spoke about the significance of the Semi Climate Consortium as well as the MOU partnership between NY CREATES and SEMI signed at the event, that promotes advancing initiatives that focus on environmental sustainability efforts from both organizations.

Listen to the 3D inCites Podcast HERE

Looking Ahead

At NY CREATES, we remain committed to driving the semiconductor industry forward through sustainable practices, innovative partnerships, and workforce development. SEMICON West 2024 was a significant event, and we are excited about future opportunities and collaborations. Stay connected with us as we continue our journey towards a sustainable and innovative semiconductor industry.

NY CREATES Hosts Successful First Annual Charity Golf Tournament Benefiting HVCC Foundation

On Monday, June 10th, Normanside Country Club set the stage for NY CREATES’ first annual charity golf tournament, an event that exceeded expectations and raised over $130,000 for the Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) Foundation. The generous contributions from this fundraiser will play a crucial role in advancing the region’s high-tech workforce through the new Applied Technology Education Center (ATEC).

The tournament brought together NY CREATES employees, industry partners, and community members for a fun day of golf, company camaraderie, and fundraising activities. Participants enjoyed the beautiful Normanside Country Club golf course, cooler weather, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the region’s future workforce.

This delightful charity event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of key sponsors: IBM, DPS/Gilbane, TEL, FPI Mechanical, General Control Systems, Wainschaf Associates, Applied Materials, and GlobalFoundries. These organizations’ invaluable contributions and commitment to community support were pivotal in making this event a resounding success. Led by NY CREATES’ HR and Marketing/Communications teams, the event showcased how the organization comes out to show strong support for our community partners.

From our team at NY CREATES, thank you to everyone involved, as your dedication and generosity will make a lasting impact on our community.

Stay tuned for more fun NY CREATES initiatives, as we continue to work together to uplift our community!

NY CREATES Veteran Semiconductor Training & Experience Program (Vet S.T.E.P)

While you may know NY CREATES is dedicated to fostering workforce development in the semiconductor industry, you may not know how we’re also supporting our military servicemembers. That’s why we’re excited to shine a spotlight on our Veteran Semiconductor Training & Experience Program (Vet S.T.E.P.), an initiative designed to equip soon-to-be veterans with valuable skills in the semiconductor technology.

Vet S.T.E.P. is a recognized Department of Defense SkillBridge program and the United States Army Career Skills Program, funded by the National Science Foundation (N.S.F.), and hosted by NY CREATES to prepare transitioning service members 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, followed by an 8-week internship with one of our company partners.

Empowering Success in Semiconductor Technology

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be challenging. At NY CREATES, we provide program participants the tools they need to thrive in the high-demand semiconductor workforce. The Vet S.T.E.P. program offers hands-on training, mentorship, and industry connections, ensuring that participants are equipped with technical knowledge and supported throughout their transition. 

VET S.T.E.P. classroom at the Albany NanoTech Complex

Targeted Training

Our program provides veterans with hands-on training in semiconductor technology, allowing them to develop practical skills that are highly sought after in the industry. For instance, participants will gain a deep understanding of advanced manufacturing practices, essential electronics operations, mechatronics troubleshooting, and pneumatics technology, which are necessary for roles such as semiconductor process engineer or equipment technician.

Impactful Mentorship

Each servicemember learns directly from industry experts, typically experienced professionals who provide guidance, support, and valuable insights throughout the program. Our mentors are committed to helping the class participants navigate the complexities of the semiconductor industry, explain specific engineering terminology, and offer advice on career development, networking, and professional growth. Mentorship plays a crucial role in the success of our program.

Industry Connections

In addition to hands-on training and mentorship, the Vet S.T.E.P. program helps transitioning servicemembers build connections within the semiconductor industry. Through this program, participants can interact with partnered companies and potential future employers. These connections enhance the participants’ job prospects and foster a strong sense of community and belonging within the industry, making them feel part of something bigger.

Fostering Personal Growth and Industry Advancement

At NY CREATES, investing in our transitioning servicemembers benefits them individually and contributes to the advancement of the semiconductor industry. By equipping them with valuable skills and enabling their transition into the workforce, we’re not just filling critical talent gaps and driving innovation in semiconductor technology, but we are also fostering personal growth and career transformation.

VET S.T.E.P. students doing electrical work at Albany NanoTech Complex

Supporting Our Transitioning Military Servicemembers and Veterans

The Vet S.T.E.P. program at NY CREATES is more than just a training initiative—it’s a commitment to empowering transitioning military servicemembers and strengthening workforce development in the semiconductor industry. This program is a memorable experience and a meaningful difference for those who have served our country and ensured a brighter future for the semiconductor industry.

Are you a member of the military or veteran interested in this program? Learn how you can participate by contacting Vet S.T.E.P Program Manager, Dan Cochran, dcochran@ny-creates.org

Learn more about the program here: https://ny-creates.org/vetstep

Stay tuned for more updates and success stories from the Vet S.T.E.P. program at NY CREATES.

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