Clark State awarded grant for semiconductor technician learning equipment

Clark State College students walk into Rhodes Hall on the Springfield campus in this 2022 file photo. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

Clark State College students walk into Rhodes Hall on the Springfield campus in this 2022 file photo. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Clark State College received a $79,250 grant from the Ohio Department of Education to buy and install vacuum systems technology learning equipment in order to train semiconductor technicians.

The equipment is “an integral part of the semiconductor industry,” according to a release. The new vacuum systems technology curriculum and lap concept were reviewed and confirmed by the Intel Corporation Semiconductor Education and Research program. The equipment is planned to be available for training in summer 2024.

Adam Parrillo, dean of business and applied sciences, said that faculty in advanced manufacturing courses and others who support these programs are excited about the technology and opportunity.

“The vacuum systems equipment is a crucial expansion of our Directed Learning Lab (DLL) capabilities that will serve the emergent semiconductor industry, existing industry partners, and future partners which will also require these skillsets,” Parrillo said.

Parrillo said the directed learning lab training model is based on “flexible hours” to accommodate students with busy schedules or who work different shifts.

“This is yet another example of how Clark State is all-in and striving to provide the necessary education and training opportunities for our communities to meet them where they are and help them realize their career goals,” Parrillo said. “This equipment will be integral to a vacuum systems course which will be part of an upcoming semiconductor foundations short-term certificate.”

About the Author