Training and Education Center for Semi-Conductor

New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

In response to the increasing demand for a highly-skilled workforce for the growing semiconductor manufacturing and renewable energy industries, a state-of-the-art education facility, TEC-SMART, broke ground on March 11, 2009, at the Saratoga Technology + Energy Park in Malta, NY.

Project Need(s)
The region must meet the high demand for a trained workforce if alternative energy delivery systems are to grow in such a way as to lead to their successful commercialization as a viable solution to meet escalating energy demands. For the renewable energy market to develop, there must be a corresponding and sustainable workforce. Services in this field are increasingly in demand due to the new and innovative clean-energy technologies and services that are entering the marketplace. As New York State has expanded markets and established incentive programs, there is a significant need for renewable energy training programs.

Project Solution
In 2008, New York State, appropriated $13.5 million in state funding for TEC-SMART (Training and Education Center for Semi-Conductor Manufacturing and Alternative and Renewable Technologies). This facility will include labs and classrooms with the most advanced learning technologies to meet the needs of semiconductor manufacturing, renewable energy, and energy efficiency training initiatives. TEC-SMART will train 500 – 600 technicians over the next 5 – 10 years to keep pace with industry employment needs and will serve the region, state, and nation as a premiere training resource. In so doing, TEC-SMART will establish New York State as a leader in meeting the workforce demands for industries that provide products and services integral to our current and future quality of life.