Electronics and Semiconductors Education and Training Key Terms

Learning key terms important for electronics and semiconductors education and training
By Kim Finn With a tough economy and declining sales, the electronics industry faces uphill challenges this year. If you work or plan to work in the semiconductor or electronics industry, education and training will boost your value to customers, potential clients and your company, in addition to increasing your own marketability.

Before searching for training and education programs dealing with electronics and semiconductors, get familiar with the terminology that's tied to the industry's resources. This guide offers five terms to help steer you in the right direction when it comes to finding electronics and semiconductor training and education:  IEEE, Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International, Maricopa Advanced Technology Education Center, Electronics.ca Publications and Tapping America's Potential.

IEEE

IEEE is a non-profit trade organization for high-tech industries that offers numerous education programs to boost skills and knowledge of those working in all aspects of the engineering sciences. It provides opportunities for professional development through online courses, conferences, journals and magazines.
Try:  Learn more about IEEE educational activities at the association's website.

Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI)

SEMI is an international trade association for photovoltaic, display and microelectronic industry supply chains. The organization hosts conferences and trade shows and participates in standards development, public policy and workforce development.
Try:  Use the SEMI website as a source for finding training opportunities. Click on the Training/Reference link in the paragraph at the top of the page for access to training videos and reference books. Explore links on the left side of the page for more information on other educational events.

Maricopa Advanced Technology Education Center (MATEC)

MATEC came about as the result of a vision to create a national education and development center for semiconductor manufacturing and other like-minded industries in the mid 1990s. The center, in concert with its industry and education partners, develops programs, training and educational materials to help students successfully master the core competencies required of those working in the semiconductor and related industries. Those competencies include math, science, technology and communications.
Try:  Learn more about the history of MATEC at the organization's website. Click on the links at the top of the page to find more information on MATEC curriculum development, professional development, workforce development and other education opportunities.

IPC

IPC is an international trade association headquartered in Illinois for those working in all aspects of the electronics industry. More than 2,700 companies belong to the organization founded in 1957. It serves as an industry source for training, standards, public policy advocacy and market research.
Try:  Scroll over "Knowledge" in the gray bar at the top of the page and then click on any of the links to learn more about IPC training, certification and other professional development opportunities.

Tapping America's Potential (TAP)

Tapping America's Potential is the name of the effort started by 15 business organizations in 2005 to double the number of graduating science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors by 2015. The project's goal is to get these graduates into technical career fields like the electronics and semiconductor industries.
Try:  Learn more about the campaign at the TAP website.