Briefs: AU partners with Semiconductor Workforce Consortium
Ashland University to provide two semiconductor-related projects
ASHLAND — Ashland University has entered into a partnership with 10 other Ohio higher education institutions that will develop semiconductor career programs by providing training programs. The project, titled Ohio TechNet Northeast Ohio Semiconductor Workforce Consortium, is being led by Lorain County Community College.
In conjunction with Intel beginning construction on a $20 billion chip plant in central Ohio, higher education institutions are leading a response and joining forces to help prepare for a massive new workforce.
The consortium that Ashland is a part of will help support semiconductor fabrication and equipment operations, including automation, robotics, microelectronics, semiconductor processing, cleanroom technical training, cybersecurity and data analysis.
Ashland will do its part by developing smart manufacturing semiconductor bootcamps and an Industry Educator Teaching certificate program.
The semiconductor camps will include a weeklong field experience in smart manufacturing for current technical college, community college and university faculty, as well as future instructors. The Industry Educator Teaching certification program will be a new online offering from AU for industry professionals to become college faculty within their area of expertise.
For more information about the bootcamps, contact Jim Powell, executive director of professional learning, at jpowell1@ashland.edu, and for information on faculty certification, contact Stephanie Meeks, director of workforce development, at smeeks2@ashland.edu.
Mid-Ohio ESC opens esports game lab
Esports, or electronic sports (gaming), is growing in popularity in Ohio and around the world. Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center conducted a survey with districts in the area to assess the interest level in bringing esports to Mid-Ohio. Similar to the popular AcademicChallenge events that are hosted by Mid-Ohio ESC, the ESC can now serve as a gaming site for practices andtournaments.
The first esports event will take place 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday featuring the game Super Smash Brothers. Up to five players per school can participate, and lunch is provided. The esports lab can also be reserved by districts as a PBIS reward for a small group of students or as an interest builder for middle school esports.
The esports lab is offered free to all client and partner districts. Non-client districts are encouraged to contact Mid-Ohio ESC for non-client pricing. To register for the tournament or reserve computer lab time, contact Susan James at james.susan@moesc.net.
Upcoming meeting:
● United Auto Workers Local 549 Retirees, noon, Tuesday, United Steelworkers 169 Union Hall, 376 W. Longview Ave., Mansfield
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Ashland University joins Semiconductor Workforce Consortium
