UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Professional Education upgrades its Semiconductor and VLSI Engineering Certificate to address skilled professional shortage and industry growth

UCSC Silicon Valley Professional Education, through its Extension program, has been a prominent training ground for semiconductor engineers for nearly two decades.

UCSC Silicon Valley Professional Education is proud to announce the upgrade of its Silicon Chip Design & Semiconductor Engineering Certificate program (Formerly known as VLSI and Semiconductor Engineering), aimed at alleviating the shortage of skilled professionals in the industry and meeting the growing demands of the semiconductor sector. This upgrade comes at a crucial time, as the Chips and Science Act of 2022 and the global restructuring of the semiconductor supply chain are projected to require 300,000 new professionals by 2030.

The CHIPS Act, which sets aside $39 billion to encourage the expansion of semiconductor manufacturing capacity, attract investments in advanced technologies, and promote U.S. technical leadership, has prompted many U.S. companies to launch plans for new facilities. Additionally, India has committed over $10 billion to stimulate chip manufacturing. These developments highlight the urgent need for a well-trained workforce to support the semiconductor industry's growth.

To sustain California's leadership in the semiconductor industry, Governor Gavin Newsom has allocated $2 million to a Global Entrepreneur in Residence program at the University of California. This initiative aims to attract and retain international talent by sponsoring visas for gifted graduates and potential technologists to develop startups under university mentorship.

UCSC Silicon Valley Professional Education, through its Extension program, has been a prominent training ground for semiconductor engineers for nearly two decades. Graduates of the program have received comprehensive training in the latest VLSI and semiconductor tools and trends, and have assumed leadership roles in the industry worldwide. The program's seasoned instructors, employed at prestigious global semiconductor companies, continue to mentor students and help them advance their careers.

With a legacy of industry partnerships, UCSC Silicon Valley Professional Education is excited about the potential to expand its programs and strengthen existing and new partnerships across the state. Led by Arvind Vidyarthi, our exceptional advisory board is steering the VLSI and Semiconductor certificate program, ensuring its relevance and industry alignment. Our instructors, with extensive experience at leading companies such as AMD, Cadence Design Systems, Cisco, Google, Intel, Micron Technology, Meta, Synopsys, and premier industry association SIA are designing curricula and new programs to meet the future needs of the industry.

Looking ahead, UCSC Silicon Valley Professional Education plans to introduce new, accelerated boot camps and mixed-modality programs to expedite career development in high-demand areas. We are eager to hear your thoughts on this transition and explore opportunities for collaboration in developing new areas of the industry. We look forward to continuing this conversation in the coming months.

About UCSC Silicon Valley Professional Education:

UCSC Silicon Valley Professional Education, a division of UC Santa Cruz, offers professional development programs and certificates designed to enhance skills and advance careers in high-demand fields. With a focus on emerging technologies and industry trends, UCSC Silicon Valley Professional Education provides professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in today's rapidly evolving job market.