Advance your career with

Semiconductor

Gain semiconductor manufacturing skills near Austin, TX, and earn an industry-recognized certificate in 14 weeks without quitting your job.

  • 14 weeks
  • 4 in-person labs
A man in glasses standing at a computer.
Forklift Operator     Assembly Technician
Why Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing

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.

In-Demand Careers With the CHIPS and Science Act allocating $52 billion to boost U.S. chip production, companies urgently need skilled professionals to support innovation and supply chain efficiency.
Fulfilling Work Engage in roles that blend hands-on technical skills with problem-solving. Work on the cutting-edge technology that powers everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. Our alumni are prepared for roles such as:
Production Operator
Machine Operator
Manufacturing Associate
Assembly Technician
CNC Operator
Material Handler
Hands-on semiconductor and advanced manufacturing training

Certified by ACC & SEMI Foundation

ACC’s Advanced Manufacturing Production program is the first in the nation to receive the SEMI Foundation’s Fundamental Semiconductor Knowledge Certification—the industry’s gold standard for entry-level workforce training.

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.

5-16 Hours / WeekSelf-Paced Online

Technical Skills

Workplace Safety & OSHA Master hazard communication, PPE, electrical safety, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and fire safety protocols.
Manufacturing Materials & Processes Understand material properties, fabrication, assembly, and testing.
Production Management Learn key production metrics, lean manufacturing, 5S methodology, and inventory management.

Professional Skills

Squad & Kickoff Attend the Welcome Session and connect with your peer learning Squad for collaboration.
Skills Discovery Use the O*Net Profiler to identify your transferable skills and align them to manufacturing careers.
Resume Building Draft a manufacturing-specific resume optimized for ATS, and submit it for coach review.
Waitlist

Our alums work for the world’s top companies

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Cost

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.

A man manufacturing a semiconductor.
Flexible Schedule

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.

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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
Supported Learning

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

  • Michael, Career Coach

    How’s your week so far?

  • Cora

    I’m really struggling with my resume…

  • Michael, Career Coach

    That makes sense. A lot of people get stuck here, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

    We’ll work through your resume together and translate what you’ve been doing into skills employers actually look for. And the timing’s good — you’re only a week away from earning your Google IT Support Certificate.

How does Merit America compare?

Merit AmericaCommunity College
Course Length14 weeks1–2 years
Learning FormatHybrid: online + 3 in-person lab daysIn-person
Part-time? 20 hours/week Varies
PaymentThis pilot is offered at no cost to learners, thanks to support from employer partners and a generous funder.Tuition paid upfront
Credential Earned Occupational Skills Award Yes
Organization TypeNon-profit (Merit America collaborates with for-profits)For-profit or Non-profit
Coaching and Job Search Support Yes Varies
Downside Protection Yes No
FAQ
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Semiconductor & Advanced Manufacturing
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Frequently Asked Questions

Resources
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