Skill up: Training workers on semiconductor manufacturing, AI-driven manufacturing, manufacturing management, and more

Manufacturing would be nothing without the people in offices and on plant floors to manage supplies, run assembly lines, build things, observe quality and, in short, do the work. Yet, qualified manufacturing workers are perennially in short supply. This digest covers recent initiatives, public-private partnerships, and educational efforts to train and source the next generation of manufacturing workers.

Wayne State University and Kyndryl, an AI startup, announced January 13 they would collaborate on establishing a new facility for developing technologies for integrating AI into manufacturing on campus. The IntelliMake research hub and pilot-scale factory, the group said, will be located in the James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering, where it will host workshops on AI, cybersecurity and digital twins. Onofrio Pirrotta, Kyndryl’s managing director, said in a statement the push hopes to demonstrate AI’s use in manufacturing to potential clients as well as train future employees in its use.

St. Petersburg College announced December 20 it would launch its SMART Tech training program in February. The program is geared for preparing graduates to enter semiconductor, mechatronics, automation and robotics for manufacturing. According to the SMART Tech program page, three programs will be offered: training in electronic board assembly, robotics and semiconductor technology, and automated production technology.

The University of South Carolina Upstate announced January 13 that it would partner with Risepoint, an education technology company, to offer ten new online degree programs starting 2026, including B.A.S in advanced manufacturing management. In a statement, USCU Provost Pamela Steinke said the degrees offered would address demand from businesses for skilled professionals. “By expanding access to flexible, affordable programs, we’re helping learners transform their potential into meaningful impact,” Steinke said.

Drake State Community and Technical College in Huntsville, Alabama announced January 13 that it had received accreditation from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, according to local news source 256 Today. According to Drake State Dean of Instruction Dr. Carolyn Henderson, the accreditation validates graduates of the technical college’s manufacturing education programs. “This accreditation is a significant milestone for Drake State and reflects our ongoing mission to prepare students for high-demand, high-skill careers,” Henderson said. “NIMS accreditation confirms that our manufacturing programs align with industry expectations and that our graduates are workforce-ready on day one.”

On January 8, Texas announced it would extend a $3.5 million grant to Texas State Technical College’s Williamson County Campus for its Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training  program. According to a statement from the governor's office, the program will run 10-week curricula for future semiconductor technicians and include use of a mock water processing facility and cleanroom. “With this TSIF grant, TSTC will transform existing instructional and lab space into a training facility focused on semiconductor and electromechanical workforce development,” said Gov. Abbott.