Summer 2025 Registration Now Open: Fast Track Your Semiconductor Career with VAST!

The Virginia Alliance for Semiconductor Technology (VAST) is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for our Summer 2025 Fast Track to Semiconductor Careers (FTSC) programs!

The Fast Track program allows students throughout Virginia to obtain advanced training in high-need, industry-driven career fields without the need for major relocation. Students will likely be able to find internship, training, and employment opportunities after completing the course in one of the major semiconductor industries in Northern Virginia.

Whether you're a veteran, career-switcher, or student eager to enter the thriving semiconductor industry, these certificate programs offer hands-on experience to prepare you for a rewarding career in just a few weeks. 

Benefits of the program:

  • Up to 60 hours of Hands-on Lab Experience
  • Exlusive tour of Micron's clean room facility in Manassas
  • Exclusive invite to an Industry Panel event where you can hear from leading experts. Past presenters have included: Northrop Grumman, Micron, and the Semi Foundation.
  • Guaranteed interview with a Micron recruiter upon completion of the certificate program.
  • Access to over 35,000 sqft. of shared fabrication facilities and the equipment.
  • Gain access to the 200 faculty members involved in 6 areas of research.

NEW! We are proud to announce our first ever online only version of the FTSC Program (Lectures Only). With this program, students who are not available to take in-person classes during the Summer can take the first half of the certificate program remotely. A full certification will require in-person, hands-on lab only portion, which will be available in the Spring of 2026. See below tab for more details.

LEARN MORE

Program Dates: May 26 – August 8, 2025

Lecture Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (synchronous and asynchronous options available)

Lab Locations and Schedules:

Old Dominion University, Norfolk 

  1. Lab Option 1: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-12 pm

  2. Lab Option 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1pm-4pm

University of Virginia, Charlottesville

  1. Lab Option 1: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am-11 pm

  2. Lab Option 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1pm-4pm

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 

  1. Lab Option 1: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am-11 am

  2. Lab Option 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1pm-4pm

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg   

  1. Lab Option 1: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-12 pm

  2. Lab Option 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1pm-4pm

Learn More & Register →

This 10-week immersive program provides comprehensive training in semiconductor chip manufacturing. Through a combination of online lectures and in-person lab sessions in state-of-the-art cleanroom environments, you'll gain essential skills in:

  1. Semiconductor fabrication cleanroom orientation and safety

  2. Vacuum technology

  3. Mask design

  4. Lithography

  5. Thin film deposition

  6. Etching techniques

  7. Thin film metrology

  8. Electron microscopy

Program Dates: May 28 – August 8, 2025

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

Lecture Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:00–8:00 PM (synchronous & asynchronous)

Lab Locations & Schedules:

  1. Virginia Military Institute (Lexington)

    - Labs: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

  2. Virginia Tech Research Center (Arlington)

    - Lab Option 1: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am-12 pm

    -Lab Option 2: Tuesdays and Thursdays 3pm-7pm

What You'll Learn:

  1. Semiconductor packaging fundamentals

  2. Failure analysis

  3. Electrical and optical characterization

  4. Circuit testing and device reliability

  5. Advanced measurement tools

Learn More & Register

 

Why Enroll in an FTSC Program?

  1. Accelerated, intensive training that equips you with practical, industry-relevant skills

  2. Flexible learning options with both in-person and online components

  3. Networking and mentorship opportunities with leading semiconductor companies

  4. No prior experience required—just a passion for technology and a commitment to learning

Secure Your Spot Today!

Our programs are in high demand, and spots are limited. Registration closes May 19, 2025. Don't miss this opportunity to advance your career in the semiconductor industry.

REGISTER TODAY!