The semiconductor industry employs veterans. The program, called VET STEP, aims to help veterans find jobs in the technology industry, and the upstate New York native’s training is underway at NY Creates.
It’s an exciting time for veterans and active duty military in the technology and semiconductor industries. Some are working to provide opportunities for these people to utilize the skills and discipline they gained through their military experiences. So, funded by the National Science Foundation and sponsored by NY Creates, this is his 10-week program that includes hands-on training at the Albany Nanotech Complex.
Semiconductors are basically used to control the flow of electricity and are components of computers, smartphones, and many other electronic devices. This VET semiconductor training and experience program aims to further expand the industry by adding valuable talent trained by the U.S. military. Spectrum News spoke to veterans of the program to understand how technology and their experience come together in this particular field.
“We all have many skills developed over years in the military, but it can sometimes be difficult to find an industry that truly understands the amount of knowledge, ability, and ability that military personnel possess.” Soldier Christine Fernandez said. “So this is a great opportunity to create a real bridge from a productive life in the military to a productive civilian life.”
NY Creates is an innovation hub aimed at further accelerating technology growth and promoting research activities such as nanoelectronics and advanced analog.
“U.S. military veterans are a treasure trove for the semiconductor industry,” said Dr. Robert Geer, vice president of education and workforce development at New York Creates. “You know, they’re a very disciplined group. They’re used to taking on projects where they do a lot of independent work. They’re used to working in structured environments with very complex systems. And to be honest, when they come into our doors, they have 80% of the skills we need. , I think that’s what they don’t know. A big part of this program is showing them what the semiconductor industry is, what the career is, and telling them you have the skills to get this job tomorrow. That’s it.”
In 2022, the Housing Assistance Council and the Home Depot Foundation announced that of the approximately 700,000 veterans living in New York State, 7.5% of veterans were living in poverty. That same year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development reported that approximately 1,000 veterans were homeless in New York. There are currently more than 800,000 veterans living in the state. The NY Creates program aims to support her fifth largest veteran population in the United States.
If you are a veteran looking for an opportunity, or know someone who could benefit, visit ny-creates.org.
