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The Future of Chip Manufacturing Careers in Central Ohio
Intel is bringing semiconductor or “chip” manufacturing to Ohio with the construction of a $20 billion factory complex in Central Ohio set to open in 2025. With it comes the promise of thousands of good-paying jobs, new opportunity for mobility, and the need to develop education, training, research, and a steady supply of talent to support the booming industry that manufactures the brain of nearly every electronic device that powers daily life and work. Hiring for technician roles will start as early as 2023.
From data, devices, and the Internet of Things to healthcare, smart energy, and transportation, semiconductors power the future. Together with Intel, education, and employer partners, we are making the future at Columbus State. Join us.
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What is Semiconductor Manufacturing?
Semiconductors, also known as integrated circuits or chips, make computing possible. Typically manufactured from silicon in highly automated factories, semiconductors are etched with thousands (or even millions) of microscopic electrical transistors that allow them to process and store information. Since the 1970s, chips have become increasingly smaller, cheaper and more powerful, leading to huge leaps in technology. These chips are the brains of the computer or mobile device you’re using right now and nearly every other machine that supports daily life and work in communications, computing, healthcare, consumer goods, the Internet of Things, smart energy, and transportation.
Employees in the semiconductor industry help create these precision products in ultra-clean environments. In Central Ohio, the factories (also known as fabs) will print and etch circuit patterns onto silicon wafers.
A Day in the Life of Otis, an Intel Manufacturing Technician
Semiconductor Jobs in Ohio: About 70 percent of jobs in Central Ohio will be technician roles. Entry-level technicians will start between $55,000 to $65,000 annually, with more advanced roles making $120,000 or more. Technicians wear protective gear to prevent new chips from being contaminated. Technicians maintain and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment to keep the fab running at maximum productivity. Most of these jobs are available to workers with an associate degree.
3,000+
ESTIMATED NEW SEMICONDUCTOR JOBS IN CENTRAL OHIO
$55k-65k
average estimated starting salary
70%
NEW POSITIONS WILL BE ATTAINABLE WITH A 2-YEAR DEGREE
Prepare for a career in semiconductor manufacturing
There has never been more opportunity for a good-paying job to build the life you want in Central Ohio. Intel’s selection of the Columbus Region for its “mega-site” chip fabrication complex brings immediate and long-term career opportunities for future students, current students, job-seekers, and lifelong learners. Columbus State is a leader in preparing students and working professionals with the latest knowledge, skills, experience, and credentials they need for the career they want — now and in the future.
Many of those good-paying jobs are accessible with an associate degree, and there are additional opportunities for veterans. With production set to begin in 2025, now is the perfect time to start a degree or certificate program that will prepare you for a sustainable career in semiconductor manufacturing.
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The following Columbus State programs are prime training options for semiconductor jobs — we're busy tailoring courses toward Intel and other semiconductor manufacturers. Apply today to get a head start!
Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology AAS
This program focuses on automation and process control, two key skills in semiconductor manufacturing. Electro-mechanical technicians maintain industrial machines and design new systems. Explore this program.
Electronic Engineering Technology AAS
This program prepares students to assemble and repair electronic systems. At Intel, electronic engineering grads are needed to directly monitor and oversee the wafer production process. Explore this program.
Environmental Science, Safety, and Health AAS
This program prepares students to work as environmental science, safety, and health technicians in a wide variety of industries. The demand is high for technicians with the skills to monitor waste, manage data and maintain instruments. Explore this program.
Water/Wastewater Technology Certificate
Semiconductor manufacturing uses water for cooling machinery and rinsing chemicals off of new chips. Water/wastewater technicians help the fab manage water and prevent spills to the environment. Explore this program.
Employers: Columbus State is Your Source for Workforce Training
Columbus State is a preferred training partner for Intel, leading a consortium of community colleges and training organizations around the state. We're currently hard at work developing training for the semiconductor industry, but we've long been a leader in hands-on training for the manufacturing sector.
Modern Manufacturing Work-Study
This innovative program allows companies to recruit Engineering Technologies students while they're still in college. Students engage in a paid work-study job at a manufacturer a few days a week and take courses the rest of the week. Employers get a pipeline of workers trained to their specific needs.
For more information, contact: Tom Capps at experientiallearning@cscc.edu
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
Columbus State hosts Central Ohio's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a consortium funded by state and local grants that promotes training in advanced manufacturing. We provide hands-on manufacturing training and online courses, and manufacturers can contact us to create custom training programs for their facilities.
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Website
