05/29/2026
Celebrating the future workforce! 💫⚙️
Yesterday, eleven graduates were recognized for their completion of the inaugural Semiconductor Technician Bootcamp in partnership with Advance 2 Apprenticeship® and Onondaga Community College (OCC). The program equipped participants with industry-aligned skills and technical competencies needed for entry-level technician roles in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing environments.
Dr. Warren Hilton, President of OCC, Michael Frame, Executive Director, Manufacturers Talent Institute - MTI, and Mitch O'Connor Chief Operating Officer at ICM Controls all spoke at the graduation and highlighted the impact of the program on building strong, industry-aligned talent pipelines that will aid in powering the growing semiconductor industry.
Program graduates Aaron Unger and Brandon Simmons also spoke at the graduation to reflect on the opportunity the program presented to transition into a field with long-term growth potential.
“Advance 2 Apprenticeship® is proud to serve as a foundational component of the inaugural Semiconductor Technician Bootcamp.” said Colleen Blagg, Director of Pre-Apprenticeship at MACNY, The Manufacturers Association. “By combining supportive services with hands-on semiconductor training provided through our partnership with Onondaga Community College, this program created a strong pathway for participants to build in-demand skills, gain confidence, and connect directly with career opportunities in a growing industry.”
The program is supported by funding from the SUNY - The State University of New York Transformation Fund, the SUNY Future of Work Center CNY, Empire State Development, the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB), and the National Science Foundation (NSF) (NSF) Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York.
Congratulations to all the graduates! 🎓🌟