Ivy Tech Community College will invest $4 million to create a microelectronics training program in Bloomington that officials hope will lead graduates to high-paying careers.
Local economic development leaders said the investment was a “pivotal step” to strengthen the region's burgeoning microelectronics industry.
Ivy Tech expects the first 20 students to begin their studies this fall, with plans to eventually grow the program to 100 graduates per year, said Adam Gross, vice president of Ivy+ Career Link. Stated.
The state's community college system will invest $4 million over five years in Bloomington, including $2 million in the first year, to invest in startups, hiring faculty and staff and building a semiconductor training lab and mock clean room.
The staff will also include industry liaisons who will liaise with area employers to determine industry needs, Gross said.
“We want this to be industry-led,” he said.
A microelectronics industry is already growing in Monroe County near Crane.
Industry partners include WestGate@Crane Technology Park and Chicago-area-based NHanced Semiconductors companies. The company recently announced plans to invest $152 million in Monroe County and create 250 jobs with an average annual salary of about $100,000.
“Amazing:”$150 million in high-tech semiconductor investment planned for southern Indiana
WestGate@Crane Authority President John Mensch said Indiana's microelectronics industry is poised for significant growth, and investments already announced are increasing demand for employees.
There are currently about 900 jobs at Westgate, with an average annual salary of about $77,000, and Mensch said the park could easily add another 500 jobs over the next two years, including a new receptionist position. He said there is a growing demand for workers, from workers to engineers and technicians.
“Ivy Tech is stepping into that gap,” he says.
Ivy Tech launches 1-year certificate for microelectronics jobs
The university plans to launch a seven-class curriculum that will allow students to earn a certificate that will allow them to enter the lucrative microelectronics field after one year.
Gross said current high school seniors can enroll this fall and consider getting their certificate in spring 2025, but the training is aimed at those who are unemployed or underemployed or considering a career change. He said it may have meaning for people as well. People can earn their certificate relatively quickly and use it as a stepping stone to a higher paying career.
“It's really going to be a track that everyone can enjoy,” he said.
The funding will come from the $252 billion CHIPS Act, which provides incentives for research and innovation in semiconductor production and scientific fields such as materials, biology and quantum information.
Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) called the bill “an investment in national security.” Mr. Young was instrumental in passing the bill, which also aims to prevent the transfer of cutting-edge technology to America's political opponents.
Local non-profit applied research institute secures funding
Ivy Tech secured the funding with support from the Bloomington-based nonprofit Applied Research Institute. According to its website, the Applied Research Institute is an “innovation ecosystem orchestrator that collaborates across a wide range of disciplines with partners in state and federal government, industry, and academia.” A range of technology focus areas such as hydrogen technology, cybersecurity and hypersonics.”
ARI is leading the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub. The hub is one of eight sites that collectively make up the Microelectronics Commons, which is funded by the CHIPS Act.
Brooke Pine, ARI's executive vice president of innovation and strategy, said the federal government wants the eight innovation hubs to foster growth in microelectronics and address national security needs.
That will require employers to innovate, she said, but regions also need to develop the workforce to support growth. The Bloomington-based hub focused on staffing shortages early on and quickly recognized the need for technician-level expertise. Given the university's network and existing efforts to support Lafayette's microelectronics, Ivy Tech emerged as an obvious partner, Pine said.
Gross said local classes will include practical skills. Students specifically learn how to put on protective equipment before entering a clean room and how to remove protective equipment after finishing. The university plans to simulate a clean room environment equipped with stage curtains. Gross said he expects some of the training will take place at the locations of some of its business partners, including NHanced.
He said the microelectronics certification is stackable, meaning students can use the credits toward an associate's degree. If you are interested in this program, please contact Gross at agross52@ivytech.edu.
Diversifying Monroe County's job economy with higher wage opportunities
Jen Pearl, president of the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation, said the organization is “thrilled” with the investment.
“By offering training opportunities to 20 students this fall, Ivy Tech will not only meet the pressing needs of our community, but also lay the foundation for sustainable growth in high-paying opportunities.” she said.
“This investment confirms Ivy Tech's dedication to ensuring our employees remain competitive and skilled in emerging fields such as microelectronics,” Pearl said in an email. “As the local economy continues to diversify and expand, it provides a promising pathway for local talent and opens the door to lucrative employment opportunities.”
He said the microelectronics sector has helped Monroe County diversify its employment base while increasing wages, and while it has lagged behind the state, it is catching up.
“As of December 2023, the average hourly wage in the private sector in Monroe County is $28.28, compared to the state average of $29.99 and the national average of $34.36,” Pearl said. “The investments we see here are just the beginning of our efforts to advance opportunities for our neighbors through technology and microelectronics jobs.”
Boris Ladwig can be reached at bladwig@heraldt.com.
