Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ University serves as a lead institution for Appalachian Semiconductor Education and Technical (ASCENT) Ecosystem. $3 million in grant funding was awarded to the university to create an inclusive workforce development and training program to cultivate the next generation of skilled technical professionals for Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµâ€™s emerging semiconductor industry.
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce
Fairfield County Workforce Center
Established in 2020, the provides training programs for high-demand industries including manufacturing, skilled trades and health care. The programs are offered through a collaborative partnership between the Fairfield County Commissioners, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ University Lancaster, Russ College of Engineering and Hocking College. The partnership focuses on economic development through training and workforce development.
Educational Programs
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Automation Technician CertificateThe Automation Technician certification offers students the opportunity to develop hands on technical skills in robotics and automation. These skills are needed by technicians and will support the region's growing industrial systems environment.
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Mechatronics CertificateThe Mechatronics Technician certification is now offered to students who want to combine the application of electronics and mechanics to better understand and improve industrial processes. As high-tech manufacturing continues to expand in Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ, there is a growing need for skilled mechatronics technicians to operate and maintain industrial equipment.
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Semiconductor Manufacturing Technician Fundamentals CertificateOur new Semiconductor Manufacturing Technician Fundamentals Certificate equips you with essential foundational skills used in the semiconductor industry and other advanced manufacturing firms.
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Engineering TechnologyThe Engineering Technology program was created to meet the rising demand for skilled technicians and engineering technologists. Students are guided through real-world applications with hands-on lab courses to ensure they have the technical foundation needed to pursue a successful career in engineering.
Fall 2025 Coursework
Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ University Credit Courses
ENGT 1011 - Introduction to Semiconductor Manufacturing
Students are introduced to semiconductor materials, technology, fabrication process, and manufacturing industry. Each of the major processing steps from silicon wafer production to final packaging is touched on to allow students to understand the complexity of the manufacturing flow. Emphasis is placed on the components of a modern fabrication facility including modules on lithography, etching, doping, and metallization. Students gain hands-on experience in clean room protocols, safety, and chemical hygiene.
- Students will be able to explain semiconductor materials, properties, and their fundamental role in modern electronics.
- Students will be able to identify the principles of quality control in semiconductor fabrication, including measurement techniques, process monitoring, and defect analysis.
- Students will be able to demonstrate skills in wafer handling and processing, including loading, unloading, and inspecting wafers within a cleanroom environment.
- Students will be able to explain safety protocols, environmental regulations, and best practices governing semiconductor fabrication.
- Students will be able to describe the integration of individual semiconductor devices into more complex structures, enabling the production of advanced electronic components.
- Students will be able to demonstrate proper cleanroom practices and safety procedures, emphasizing the critical importance of contamination control in semiconductor manufacturing.
Credit Hours: 3
ENGT 1200 - Industrial Electronics
Introduces direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) fundamentals. Industry-relevant subject areas, such as basic electrical circuits, electrical measurement, circuit analysis, inductance and capacitance, combination circuits, transformers, and characteristics of solid-state components, are included.
- Students will be able to explain the fundamental concepts of voltage, current, power and resistance in series, parallel, and general circuits.
- Students will be able to describe the function and characteristics of a voltage divider.
- Students will be able to describe the function and characteristics of the Wheatstone bridge.
- Students will be able to perform measurements of voltage, resistance and current in series and parallel circuits.
- Students will be able to analyze series and parallel circuits utilizing Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws.
- Students will be able to explain the basic principles and characteristics of electromagnetism, inductance and capacitance.
- Students will be able to identify the basic function and characteristics of solid-state components.
Credit Hours: 4
ENGT 2200 - Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics
Application of hydraulic and pneumatic principles to common industrial control circuits, emphasizing maintenance of hardware and circuitry.
- Students will learn how components operate in different types of circuits.
- Students will learn the basics of hydraulics and pneumatics as used in industry today.
- Students will learn to read system schematic drawings.
Credit Hours: 3
ENGT 2230 -Â Automation and Robotics I
An introduction to hands-on advanced manufacturing skills replicating industrial production areas involving the preventive maintenance, alignment, and maintenance of an automated industrial manufacturing system followed by an introduction to programming and operation of a robotic cell.
- Students will be able to identify basic industrial safety concepts.
- Students will be able to perform basic preventive and corrective maintenance of a functioning automated industrial manufacturing system.
- Students will be able to evaluate performance of electronic sensors and optimize according to system needs.
- Students will be able to create a functioning robotic cell.
Credit Hours: 3
ENGT 2240 - Basic Vacuum Systems Technology
Students are introduced to the operational mechanisms and process use of vacuum systems used in the semiconductor and other advanced manufacturing industries. The operational methodology and process use of equipment that requires vacuum are discussed. Students gain hands-on experience in basic maintenance on a vacuum system that enhances problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.
- Students will be able to explain the fundamental principles of vacuum technology, including concepts like pressure, gas behavior, and vacuum measurement.
- Students will be able to identify and operate essential vacuum components, including vacuum pumps, valves, gauges, and leak detectors.
- Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to perform routine maintenance tasks on vacuum systems and employ troubleshooting techniques to diagnose and resolve common issues.
- Students will be able to explain the operational methodology and process use of equipment that require vacuum pumps.
- Students will be able to demonstrate problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills while learning how to perform maintenance on a vacuum system.
Credit Hours: 3
ENGT 2850 - Lean Enterprise
This course provides an overview of the structure and tools of Lean, a systematic method for the elimination of waste within a manufacturing system without sacrificing productivity in order to add value to a product or service. Lab activities give students opportunities to recognize forms of waste in a manufacturing process and apply methods used to remove it. Methods covered include Poka Yoke, Why-Why-Why, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, Kanban, 5S and Six Sigma.
- Students will be able to explain the history of lean enterprise.
- Students will be able to identify and describe tools used in lean practices.
- Students will be able to apply the tools to practical problems.
Credit Hours: 3
ENGT 2200 -Â Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics
This course covers the application of hydraulic and pneumatic principles to common industrial control circuits, emphasizing maintenance of hardware and circuitry.
ENGT 2230 -Â Automation and Robotics I
This course is an introduction to hands-on advanced manufacturing skills replicating industrial production areas involving the preventive maintenance, alignment, and maintenance of an automated industrial manufacturing system followed by an introduction to programming and operation of a robotic cell.
ENGT 2850 - Lean Enterprise
This course provides an overview of the structure and tools of Lean, a systematic method for the elimination of waste within a manufacturing system without sacrificing productivity in order to add value to a product or service. Lab activities give students opportunities to recognize forms of waste in a manufacturing process and apply methods used to remove it. Methods covered include Poka Yoke, Why-Why-Why, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, Kanban, 5S and Six Sigma.
Non-Credit Medical Training
Phlebotomy (High School Seniors)
This Phlebotomy Technician course prepares students for national certification and entry-level employment by covering topics top including OSHA, CLIA, HIPAA, and CDC standards, therapeutic communication techniques, law and ethics, medical terminology, and anatomy and physiology. Students develop proficiency in phlebotomy and dermal puncture as well as specimen collection and testing for health maintenance and disease prevention.
How to apply
Students may take the above classes for credit if they'd like to use the credits for a future degree or certificate program. Students will need to enroll as non-degree seeking students at least 2 weeks prior to the start of courses.
Employer-Sponsored Students
Employers may use the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ University Sponsored Students process to pay for the employees taking the training.
Employers also have the ability to use the state’s to be eligible to have 100% of the training costs reimbursed at successful completion of the training.
Contact
Zaki Kuruppalil
Department Chair
kuruppal@ohio.edu
740.593.0258