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Virginia Alliance for Semiconductor Technology

Hands-on Training on State-of-the-Art Techniques

VAST Semiconductor Chip Fabrication and Nano Characterization Certification 

VAST Semiconductor Chip Fabrication and Nano Characterization Certification prepares students for semiconductor, nanotechnology, and electronics industry careers through extensive hands-on training on state-of-the-art techniques used to develop today’s most advanced semiconductor chips. Students will learn how to design, fabricate, and test advanced semiconductor chips through extensive hands-on training. Students will learn about the principles and processes used by large semiconductor manufacturers as well as semiconductor startups.  

NEXT COHORT: MAY 26 - AUGUST 8, 2025

REGISTER

Full certification requires successful completion of both online lectures and in-person labs. The full program runs 10 weeks and includes 40 hours of lectures and up to 60 hours of hands-on, in person lab training. Upon completion of the program, participants will be ready for entry-level engineering and technician positions in the semiconductor industry. Participants will receive a VAST Lectures microcredential, a VAST Labs microcredential, and full VAST Chip Fabrication certification.

Lectures are held online Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00 pm, with both synchronous and asynchronous options available. Labs are held at multiple locations around Virginia and with multiple time options. When registering, choose your location and lab time. 

Location 1: Old Dominion University, Norfolk 

  • Lab 1: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-12 pm
  • Lab 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1pm-4pm

Location 2: University of Virginia, Charlottesville 

  • Lab 1: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am-11 pm
  • Lab 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1pm-4pm

Location 3: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 

  • Lab 1: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am-11 am
  • Lab 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1pm-4pm

Location 4: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg   

  • Lab 1: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-12 pm
  • Lab 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1pm-4pm

Registration closes May 19.   REGISTER

If these lab hours are not feasible for your schedule, please contact us at info@vast-alliance.org, suggesting a schedule that may work better for you.

Although we recommend taking lectures and labs simultaneously, you also have the option of attending lectures only. Upon completion of this program, you will receive a VAST Lectures microcredential and be eligible to take hands-on lab training in a future cohort, if you so desire.

Lectures are held online Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00 pm, with both synchronous and asynchronous options available. 

Registration closes May 19.   REGISTER

VAST Semiconductor Packaging and Characterization Certification 

VAST Semiconductor Packaging and Characterization Certification prepares students for careers in the semiconductor and electronics industry by teaching the principles of semiconductor packaging. Students will learn about the fundamental electrical, thermal, reliability, materials considerations and tradeoffs, and state-of-the-art technologies, processes, and tools. Students will learn how to design, build, and test semiconductor packages through simulation tools and gain hands-on packaging experience in labs using state-of-the-art equipment.

NEXT COHORT: MAY 26 - AUGUST 8, 2025

REGISTER

Full certification requires successful completion of both online lectures and in-person labs. The full program runs 10 weeks and includes 40 hours of lectures and up to 60 hours of hands-on, in person lab training. Upon completion of the program, participants will be ready for entry-level engineering and technician positions in the semiconductor industry. Participants will receive a VAST Lectures microcredential, a VAST Labs microcredential, and full VAST Packaging certification.

NEXT COHORT: MAY 26 - AUGUST 8, 2025

Lectures are held online Mondays and Tuesdays from 6:00-8:00 pm, with both synchronous and asynchronous options available. Labs are held at multiple locations around Virginia and with multiple time options. When registering, choose your location and lab time. 

Location 1: Virginia Tech Research Center, Arlington

  • Lab 1: Thursdays 8am-12 pm
  • Lab 2: Thursdays 3pm-7pm

Location 2: Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Lexington

  • Lab Option 1: Wednesdays 9am-1 pm

Registration open soon. Registration closes May 19. REGISTER

If these lab hours are not feasible for your schedule, please contact us at info@vast-alliance.org, suggesting a schedule that may work better for you.   

Although we recommend taking lectures and labs simultaneously, you also have the option of attending lectures only. Upon completion of this program, you will receive a VAST Lectures microcredential and be eligible to take hands-on lab training in a future cohort, if you so desire.

NEXT COHORT: MAY 26 - AUGUST 8, 2025

Lectures are held online Mondays and Tuesdays from 6:00-8:00 pm, with both synchronous and asynchronous options available. 

Registration open soon. Registration closes May 19.   REGISTER


Questions: Please contact us at info@vast-alliance.org


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