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Semiconductor Engineering

Choose Your Pathway to a High-Demand Career

Whether you join our no-fees, one-year apprenticeship certificate program or start taking for credit classes toward a two-year Semiconductor Engineering AS degree, our program equips students with skills for the much needed semiconductor manufacturing industry.

Apprenticeship Pathway to Semiconductor Processing Technician

Take Foothill Courses + Paid on the Job Training at a Company

Join our 12-month, 15-unit apprenticeship Certificate of Achievement program to gain hands-on foundational knowledge and skills necessary for safely and efficiently moving wafers through the semiconductor processing stages in a cleanroom work environment 

The program offers zero tuition for the apprentices, who also receive full-time employment, a livable wage, and comprehensive benefits while completing their 12-month training.

Follow these Steps

Download Guide

1. Apply with Work2Future — Add email and get connected to job openings.
2. Submit applicaton to employer
3. Pending for interview and hiring
4. Apply to Foothill College
5. Register for classes
   1. Fall: Math 40A Quantitative Reasoning, 5 units, with an option to take Math 240A as a co-requisite, 2-unit support course
   2. Winter: ENGR 61A Introduction to Semiconductor Process Technicican, 5 units
   3. Spring: ENGR 101A Advanced Manufacturing, 5 units
6. Complete both your Certificate of Achievement from Foothill College and Certificate of Completion from State of California
7. Continue on to complete Semiconductor Engineering, Associate in Science at Foothill or Vacuum Systems Certificate Pathways

Eligibililty to Apply

This certificate is open to all students with an interest in learning more about semiconductor processing. Students in the apprenticeship pathway will complete the Certificate of Achievement as a part of the apprenticeship program.

Non-Apprenticeship Pathway to Semiconductor Engineering, AS

Are  you interested in advancing your studies to an associate of science degree? You can choose to continue once you complete the apprenticeship program, or begin by taking the certificate courses without the apprenticeship program benefits.

Follow These Steps

1. Apply to Foothill College
2. Register for classes (note: courses may be taken in any order you prefer)
   • *Fall: Math 40A Quantitative Reasoning, 5 units and Math 240A, a 2-unit co-requisite support course
   • *Winter: ENGR 61A Introduction to Semiconductor Process Technicican, 5 units
   • *Spring: ENGR 101A Advanced Manufacturing, 5 units
3. Earn Certificate of Achievement, with eligibility to work as a Semiconductor Prcoessing Technician with specialized knowledge of Vacuum Systems
4. Continue on to complete Semiconductor Engineering, Associate in Science at Foothill

For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information. NOTE: Engineering Semiconductor, AS, available to view in course catalog Fall 2025.

Program Background

Meeting the Need for Semiconductor Manufacturing Training in the Bay Area and United State

In 2022, Congress signed into law the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act.

In response, Foothill College began developing curriculum for a Semiconductor Processing Technician apprenticeship program — in collaboration with the following partners.

Working with Business Partners

• The SEMI Foundation
• Santa Clara-based Applied Materials
• San Jose-based Nokia
• Fremont-based Western Digital
• U.S. Department of Labor, the Division of Apprenticeship Standards
• NOVAworks
• Work2Future

These partners worked jointly throughout 2023 to register the program with the U.S. Department of Labor and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards—establishing the first registered semiconductor apprenticeship program in both California and the nation.

In Fall 2023, Foothill College and its employer partners proudly welcomed the first cohort of Semiconductor Processing Technician apprentices. Congratulations to all our students who completed the program.

Ouestions?

Please contact the Apprenticeship Office at apprenticeships@foothill.edu.