Computerworld: A US Semiconductor Industry in Crisis Needs a Workforce That Doesn’t Yet Exist.
In the past, entry-level positions in the semiconductor industry were rarely noticed by job seekers outside the industry. That changed as would-be workers saw new opportunities for training and advancement.
But new employees who’ve never worked in the semiconductor field can get “imposter syndrome” working in high-tech jobs that often require math and science backgrounds. “I encourage them to not get overwhelmed,” said Joe Rodino, a cleanroom operations manager for NY CREATES, a non-profit semiconductor R&D facility in Albany, NY. “I tell them to trust the training programs we have and the mentors you’re given. As long as they’re hard workers, opportunities will present themselves. Math isn’t even required for a lot of the jobs.”
Rodino himself had been working in customer service at a large electronics retailer 11 years ago when he decided to change careers and attended a job fair. He was offered an entry-level job as a cleanroom operator working nights at NY CREATES; over time, he moved to a daytime shift and advanced as opportunities arose. He now manages 13 employees, and mentors apprentices.
