PCC earns $1.2 million state grant to grow semiconductor workforce pathways
Photos and story by James Hill
Quick Start graduate Emily Peng analyzes equipment in the mechatronics lab at the Willow Creek Opportunity Center.
As Oregon works to meet the growing demand for highly skilled semiconductor workers, Portland Community College has earned a $1.2 million state grant to expand access to training and connect more students to high-wage careers in one of the state’s most critical industries.
The money is part of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s $8.5 million in awards from Oregon’s Semiconductor Talent Sustaining Fund to eight institutions and organizations working to build workforce pathways in the semiconductor industry.
PCC’s award will support increased dual-credit and pathway engagement for semiconductor training while sustaining and expanding the college’s Quick Start Semiconductor Technician Training Program. The funding will be used to sustain industry-aligned programs and expand dual credit pathway engagement programs for secondary partners, including externships, student supports and an AI module.
Semiconductor Training
PCC’s Quick Start to Manufacturing Training Program helps participants gain job-ready skills in just 10 days for one of Oregon’s fastest-growing industries. Developed with leading employers, the accelerated program prepares students for manufacturing careers. New classes start monthly, and applicants complete a short questionnaire and assessment before enrollment support begins.
“This investment is a powerful affirmation of Portland Community College’s role in building Oregon’s semiconductor workforce,” said PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings. “Thanks to this funding, we can connect more students, especially those historically underrepresented in the industry, to life-changing opportunities in this critical industry.”
PCC is one of eight grantees receiving Semiconductor Talent Sustaining Fund support, along with Chemeketa Community College, Mt. Hood Community College, Oregon Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Oregon STEM, Portland State University and the University of Oregon.
All grantees are active members of Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology, or FAST, a partnership led by Oregon State University that includes 95 organizations across industry, higher education, government and the nonprofit sector. FAST is also a finalist for a National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine award that could bring major federal investment to Oregon over the next decade.
Governor Tina Kotek said, “Oregon is a global leader in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation, and these critical investments will keep powering us forward. These funds will help unlock the potential of our colleges and universities to meet our growing workforce demands and elevate future talent across Oregon.”
PCC’s Quick Start Program is based at the college’s Willow Creek Opportunity Center, a hub for career and workforce development. Developed through partnerships with Intel, Worksystems, the City of Hillsboro, Washington County and other regional partners, Quick Start is an intensive 10-day course designed to prepare students for entry-level semiconductor manufacturing positions.
Since launching in 2022, the program has graduated nearly 650 students and has become a cornerstone of PCC’s advanced manufacturing workforce development efforts. Quick Start also plays an important role in diversifying the semiconductor workforce by encouraging women, people of color and other underrepresented communities to explore careers in advanced manufacturing.
For more information, visit pcc.edu/semiconductor.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »