Talking Technicians

Alberto is a Manufacturing Equipment Technician at Wolfspeed in Marcy, NY. Alberto talks about how his work in the US AirForce and the Vet S.T.E.P. program prepared him to work as a technician in the semiconductor industry. Aberto highlights how some technical skills he learned in the military are transferable to the civilian sector. Hear about the benefits of becoming a semiconductor technician and how the Vet S.T.E.P. program works in this episode. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/ Jobs at Wolfspeed: https://www.wolfspeed.com/careers/ Learn more about Vet S.T.E.P. : https://video.wmht.org/video/vet-step-gap-bridging-from-military-to-microelectronics-uvqeln/

Stephen is a Manufacturing Equipment Technician (MET) at Intel in Hillsboro, Oregon. Stephen discusses his journey from Minneapolis to working at Intel and shares insights into his day-to-day responsibilities involving the maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing. Stephen talks about shift schedules, salary ranges, professional growth opportunities, and the importance of communication and safety in his job. Stephen also shares advice for individuals considering a career transition into the semiconductor industry. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/ Portland Community College: https://www.pcc.edu/ Jobs at Intel: https://jobs.intel.com/

Lincoln is a technician working in the semiconductor industry. Lincoln was in the armed services, then went to community college and enrolled in an electrical engineering technology program. He now has experience working as a technician at two different semiconductor companies in the Portland, OR area. Hear about Lincoln’s experience in this episode of Talking Technicians The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/ Portland Community College Electronic Engineering Technology (EET) Program: https://www.pcc.edu/programs/electronic-engineering/ Jobs at Lam Research: https://careers.lamresearch.com/ Jobs at Intel: https://jobs.intel.com/ Jobs at Tokyo Electron Limited (TEL): https://www.tel.com/careers/careercenter/index.html

Ethan is a HPM technician at Intel in Hillsboro, OR outside Portland. HPM technicians at Intel support other technicians that work at Intel. Hear about how Ethan went from working in the hospitality industry to long-term career in the semiconductor industry. Ethan talks about his work, what it feels like working in a semiconductor factory (a fab), and how he balances his studies at community college with his work as a technician. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/ Portland Community College Microelectronics Program: https://www.pcc.edu/programs/microelectronics/ Jobs at Intel: https://jobs.intel.com/

Laury is a Senior Control Engineer at Albireo Energy in Northern Virginia. Laury is passionate about her career. In this episode here about what working in a data center is like and how you can join this exciting career. At the end of the episode, listen to what Laury has to say about encouraging women to work in technical careers. Laury’s work is inspiring. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/ Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) Associate Degree in Engineering Technology: Data Center Operations https://www.nvcc.edu/academics/programs/data-center-operations.html Albireo Energy in Northern Virginia: https://www.albireoenergy.com/division/mid-atlantic-dc/

Janaki is a Equipment Engineering Technician at Analog Devices in Beaverton, OR outside Portland. Janaki had a career in small business, but needed to make a change. Hear how Janaki transitioned to working in the semiconductor industry by enrolling in Portland Community College’s Microelectronics Program. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/ Portland Community College Microelectronics Program: https://www.pcc.edu/programs/microelectronics/ Analog Devices: https://www.analog.com/en/about-adi/careers.html

Michelle is a lead thin film vacuum technician at MKS Instruments at the Richardson Gratings Lab in Rochester, NY. Michelle started out working as an operator, then gained additional skills by enrolling in a vacuum technician certificate program at Normandale Community College. Hear Michelle’s story about how she took her career to the next level. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/ Normandale Community College Vacuum and Thin Film Program: https://www.normandale.edu/academics/degrees-certificates/vacuum-and-thin-film-technology/index.html MKS Richardson Gratings: https://www.newport.com/b/richardson-gratings

Mario secured an internship at Intel. Mario worked on submarines in the Navy. When he left the Navy, he needed a new career. Hear how Mario made the decision to work as an engineering technician intern and how his company is helping with his degree and coursework at community college. Mario’s story is inspirational and shows one of the different backgrounds that can lead you to work in the semiconductor industry. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/ Careers at Intel: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/jobs/jobs-at-intel.html Portland Community College: https://www.pcc.edu/ Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Jason works as a technician at Intel. Jason worked as a freelance videographer, but wanted a more stable profession. He graduated from a 2-year community college program and secured a job in the semiconductor industry at Intel. Hear how Jason’s career as a technician has grown and how Intel supports his professional growth. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/ Careers at Intel: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/jobs/jobs-at-intel.html Portland Community College CIS Program: https://www.pcc.edu/programs/computer-info/ Work Systems Scholarships: https://www.worksystems.org/ Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Jose works at Genentech. Jose grew up in the Bay Area and went from working in restaurants to a career in biotechnology. Hear about how Jose enrolled in a community college program, completed an internship and now has a career at one of the biggest biotech companies. Jose talks about what he is most passionate about at work and how you can work towards your dream career too. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/ City College of San Francisco Biotechnology Program: https://www.ccsf.edu/degrees-certificates/biotechnology Genentech: https://careers.gene.com/us/en/home Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Sofia is a Lab Services and Media Prep Technician at Genetech. Hear how Sophia went from a degree in world languages to a community college biotech program. Sophia shares her story and journey in this episode and has advice for folks who want to transition careers and start work as a technician. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/ City College of San Francisco Biotechnology Program: https://www.ccsf.edu/degrees-certificates/biotechnology Genetech: https://careers.gene.com/us/en Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Olga works at Tenaya Therapeutics. Hear how Olga earned an associates degree from a community college biotechnology program to secure a well-paying job that impacts health and helps people. Olga talks about her work, the hardest part of community college, and has advice for folks just starting their careers. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/ City College of San Francisco Biotechnology Program: https://www.ccsf.edu/degrees-certificates/biotechnology Tenaya Therapeutics: https://www.tenayatherapeutics.com/ Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

David works at NanoScience Instruments. Hear how David went from working with computers to working with advanced nanotechnology characterization and fabrication instruments. David talks about how important completing a 1-year certificate from Rio Salado Community College was to his professional journey. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/ Nanoscience Instruments: https://www.nanoscience.com/ Rio Salado College Certificate of Completion in Nanotechnology: https://www.riosalado.edu/degrees-certificates/applied-technology/nanotechnology-and-manufacturing-5276-ccl Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Ginny works remotely for a company called Serviceminder. Ginny explains her journey from community college to working in the tech industry. Hear how both technical skills and interpersonal skills are important in Ginny’s work. Ginny also talks about her experience at community college and how it shaped her career. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/ A-B Tech: https://abtech.edu/ Serviceminder: https://serviceminder.io/ Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Heather worked in IT after community college then decided to start her own business using no-code / low-code tools. Hear what it’s like to run your own business after earning a community college degree. Heather talks about the technical and soft skills she uses to run her business and bring value to her clients. Heather’s journey is inspiring and shows how far you can go with a 2-year degree. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/ A-B Tech: https://abtech.edu/ Hybrid Strategies Inc: https://hybridstrategies-inc.com/ Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Tiffany changed careers by enrolling in a community college technology program. Now Tiffany works at Nomadic, which specializes in digital marketing and software development. Tiffany highlights how “soft skills” are important in the technology industry and advises students to explore their career opportunities. Hear Tiffany’s story in this episode of Talking Technicians. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/ A-B Tech: https://abtech.edu/ Nomatic: https://nomadicsoftware.com/ Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Talking Technicians goes to a hackathon! In this special episode of Talking Technicians, we’ve collaborated with the 2022 Antibody Engineers Hackathon which is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education program (DUE 2055036). The episode was recorded as part of the Hackathon. You’ll hear from two biotechnology practitioners, Andrew and Miko. They explain their work and how they found and benefited from a community college technician education program . The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/ Digital World Biology: https://digitalworldbiology.com/ Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Kendra works as an IT tech at a community college in Asheville, NC. Kendra wanted a change and enrolled in a community college program in web and graphic design. This led to her current role as an IT technician. Hear Kendra’s story and how her work involves more than computers and tech. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/ A-B Tech: https://abtech.edu/ Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Recorded LIVE! At the HI-TEC Conference in Salt Lake City, UT - A special episode of Talking Technicians: We welcome back Linzee, Mark and Glen from Season 2 and hear different perspectives working as a technician. Hear live questions from the audience and feel what it’s like to be part of the HI-TEC Conference. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/ Jobs at Intel: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/jobs/jobs-at-intel.html MTTC at the University of New Mexico: https://mfg.unm.edu/mep-nanofab/mttc.html University of Utah Electron Microscopy: https://cores.utah.edu/electron-microscopy/ Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Amber works in the biotech industry at ICON. She went to a community college biotech program and started working as a technician in Los Angeles. In this episode, hear how technicians save lives by fighting breast cancer. Amber started as a technician and her career shows how far technicians can go. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC): https://micronanoeducation.org/ICON: https://iconplc.com/Pasadena City College Biotech Program: https://pasadena.edu/academics/divisions/natural-sciences/areas-of-study/biotechnology/index.phpEpisode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/