Drive for 5 Grad Finds Career in Semiconductors

DEED's Drive for 5 initiative is helping Minnesotans prepare for and find fulfilling employment and fill high-demand positions in high-growth fields.

With aspirations of becoming a robotics engineer, Daniel found the Drive for 5-funded Semiconductor Career Pathways Program through CareerForce’s Training Program Finder and is now working full time as an equipment technician at Seagate, making a competitive wage.

Last summer, Daniel graduated from the inaugural training program, which is the result of a collaboration between  DEED and Hired; employer partners Polar Semiconductor, Seagate Technology and Skywater Technology; and educational partner Normandale Community College.

“I’m very, very thankful to the State of Minnesota, I really feel like they were investing in the semiconductor field. It’s great to see investment in young adults to help them access these opportunities. I hope this continues,” said Daniel. “I learned and grew in professionalism from the guidance of Hired and working in an innovative company such as Seagate. Working and contributing towards a career path in the semiconductor industry helped me align my goals and ambitions in my career.”

A Drive for 5 grant from DEED made this “earn while you learn” opportunity possible for Daniel and 15 fellow graduates. The students all completed a pre-apprenticeship program working in a clean room at one of the three partnered semiconductor manufacturers while completing coursework to earn 12 college credits. The classroom component of the apprenticeship was held online during the workday while the students were at their worksites – occasionally Normandale instructors were even on site, supporting the students with hands-on lessons.

“It was very nice because our class was integrated into our workday in a conference room at Seagate two hours a day,” said Daniel. “The daily hands-on work experience also really helped me understand what it is like to work as a technician.”

DEED awarded nearly $20 million in grants in 2024 as part of the Drive for 5 Initiative and will soon announce new grantees who will prepare Minnesotans for in-demand employment.

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