Semiconductor
Gain semiconductor manufacturing skills near Austin, TX, and earn an industry-recognized certificate in 14 weeks without quitting your job.
Why Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing?
Considering a career change into a high-tech, fast-growing industry? Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing offers a stable and lucrative career path in the cutting-edge world of electronics, technology, and industrial production.
Your 14-Week Roadmap to a Manufacturing Career
This hybrid program combines ACC’s best-in-class Advanced Manufacturing Production (AMP) curriculum with Merit America’s proven coaching model. Complete online coursework flexibly, with four required in-person lab days.
Production Essentials
In your first 8 weeks, you will master the foundational safety, materials, and systems knowledge required for entry into any modern manufacturing environment.
This phase is entirely online. You will utilize interactive simulations like the Hazard Hunter Safety Activity and Lean Factory simulation to build your knowledge base before stepping foot in a lab.
Technical Skills
Professional Skills
Deep Technical Training
Weeks 9–14 deepen your technical knowledge of systems and processes used in semiconductor environments. This phase introduces your required in-person laboratory sessions.
You will also begin intense career preparation, utilizing AI-powered mock interviews and active job sourcing strategies with your coach.
Technical Curriculum
Career Preparation
Job Search Your Way
Once you complete the program, you’re in control of how you engage in your job search, with no single required path. Some learners choose a more structured, focused job search through our Alumni Career Accelerator program, while others take advantage of on-demand tools and resources.
Regardless of your path, you’ll retain full access to our Perspectives Wellness Program, ongoing alumni support, and direct connections to employer partners.
Option A: Alumni Career Accelerator
A structured job-search sprint with weekly 1:1 coaching, strict accountability targets, and exclusive partner opportunities (e.g., local Central Texas manufacturing partners).
Option B: Flex Support
On-demand access to our Career Services team for mock interviews, resume refinement, career coaching, and job boards.
Our alums work for the world’s top companies
Pay $0 to gain skills
Build a career based on your potential, not your bank account. This pilot is offered at no cost to learners, thanks to support from employer partners and a generous funder.
Work life balance
Your third-party coursework and Merit America career coaching services are online. Live meetings are only 3–5 hours per week, and you can complete your coursework between work shifts or on weekends—whatever works for your life.
To support your hands-on learning, you’ll also participate in three full-day, in-person lab sessions held at Austin Community College (ACC), where you’ll gain real-world practice with the tools, technology, and processes used in advanced manufacturing, scheduled on the weekends that work best for you.
My Calendar
Monday, January 10
Merit America Program
- At Work 8am – 3pm
- Online Coursework 3pm – 5pm
- Daycare pick-up 5:15pm
- Family Dinner 6pm
- 1:1 Career Coaching 8pm
Work with a coach dedicated to your success
Meet regularly with a career coach and join live, topic based workshops that fit your schedule. After you finish, you’ll join a network of thousands of Merit America alumni.
Chat
How does Merit America compare?
| Merit America | Community College | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Length | 14 weeks | 1–2 years |
| Learning Format | Hybrid: online + 3 in-person lab days | In-person |
| Part-time? | ||
| Payment | This pilot is offered at no cost to learners, thanks to support from employer partners and a generous funder. | Tuition paid upfront |
| Credential Earned | ||
| Organization Type | Non-profit (Merit America collaborates with for-profits) | For-profit or Non-profit |
| Coaching and Job Search Support | ||
| Downside Protection |