Pennsylvania wants to promote the growth of this high-impact industry. Pennsylvania's 61 semiconductor manufacturers employ nearly 6,500 people. Worldwide, the semiconductor industry is estimated to be larger than the automobile and steel industries combined. For those interested in entering this exciting field, the starting gate is at Pennsylvania College of Technology, in Williamsport, an affiliate of The Pennsylvania State University.
Semiconductors are essential.
Just about everything has these solid-state devices from computers to cars to coffeepots. Four Penn College students, who had already completed their first year of study in the electronics technology major when the semiconductor manufacturing program opened this fall, opted for the new emphasis. They are now at University Park completing their final semester. Enrollment in the associate degree program is expected to rise each year to a maximum of 20 participants per semester. To ensure the success of its graduates, he added, Penn College regularly solicits curriculum input from business and industry.