MEDC touts 'largest-ever' investment to promote semiconductor jobs, training
EAST LANSING — Officials hope a statewide collaboration that includes Michigan State University and Lansing Community College will boost Michigan's technology sector, in part by recruiting people from underserved communities to work in the field.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation Monday announced what it called the largest investment in Michigan history to promote "cutting-edge learning and high-paying, high-tech career opportunities in surging semiconductor industry" — $3.6 million for semiconductor learning and career opportunities that includes MEDC grants and matching funds distributed to various learning institutions throughout the state.
Semiconductors are crucial pieces of technology on which many electronics rely. According to Thomas Schuelke, president of Fraunhofer USA and professor of electrical and computer engineering at MSU, semiconductors will become more important in the transition to renewable energy.
"Electric vehicles and solar panels use them," he said during the press conference at Fraunhofer USA's Center Midwest on Michigan State University's campus. "Eventually we hope to use only energy generated by technology that uses semiconductors to make more of them."
The MEDC Talent Solutions division's goal is to "co-invest alongside partners dedicated to building a world-class talent pipeline for semiconductor roles in Michigan," MEDC said in a press release.
Numerous colleges and universities across the state will receive funds. Wayne State University will see $1.1 million, Michigan Technological University will be receiving $838,000, and Oakland University will receive $320,000. Michigan State University will be receiving $148,000 and Lansing Community College get $300,000.
The program will target people in Ingham, Clinton, Gratiot and Shiawassee counties, and beyond the MEDC said, including "existing students in relevant degree pathways, adult learners seeking to change careers, current workers in need of semiconductor skills, underserved populations and high school students."
Michigan State University will use the investment from MEDC to "promote career readiness and semiconductor industry awareness among Michigan middle and high school students," said Leo Kempel, dean of the MSU college of engineering.
Middle and high school students who are accepted into the program will learn about semiconductors at MSU, and will receive free housing in the dorms and meals. Transportation to and from MSU also will be covered by the school.
"We will be recruiting in underserved communities in the city of Detroit," said Nelson Sepúlveda, who will lead the project. "We want to make sure we spread the wealth and make sure we benefit as many kids as we can."
Sepúlveda hopes to change the "culture" around a career in semiconductors.
"Based on what I've heard from undergraduate students, they think it is something that it is very difficult to learn, and something you can only learn in college," he said. "These two stigmas are going to be broken in the summer, we're going to make it as fun as possible."
Sepúlveda said that the program should be taking place summer 2024, but says the curriculum is still being designed.
Lansing Community College is receiving $300,000 to develop a 10-day "Technician Quick Start Bootcamp," said Lee Gardner, LCC's job training center director. Participants who complete the program will receive industry-recognized certification, and be able to work as an entry-level semiconductor technician.
LCC will sponsor a marketing campaign to raise awareness and interest in the program among those who are unemployed or underemployed, in low-income households, immigrants or other underserved populations, Gardner said.
"As a part of the grant, we will be able to pay each of our participants $300 a week, and $600 total," Gardner said. "We understand that people may have other obligations, like child care, that we want to make sure we cover."
Gardner hopes to have 60 participants in the first year of LCC's program, anticipated to start in March 2024, and double the next year.
"This is a win for the Greater Lansing area by providing more affordable opportunities to keep our talent close to home," he said.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: $3.6 million investment into semiconductor career training in Michigan announced by MEDC
