Block: hero
Semiconductor Education in Florida
Education plus industry equals opportunity.
Block: centered_content
Over the years, the demand for semiconductor talent has skyrocketed, and Florida is stepping up to meet the need. Education and industry leaders from across the state have joined forces to establish vital learning and semiconductor research opportunities. From STEM magnet programs for K-12 students to the Master of Nanotechnology at UCF, our educational ecosystem spans 23 counties and counting. Now, any Floridian ready to explore, launch, or advance a career in the semiconductor industry has a great place to start.
Block: education_stages
Education for Every Stage of a Semiconductor Career.
Industry Partnerships
fuel programs
Innovators
Move the field forward
Engineers
Master the most advanced tech
Technicians
Hone skills and specialize
Operators
Enter the field with foundational skills
Explorers
Students and others set out on the path
Industry Recruitment
powers careers
Block: education_slider
Engineers • Innovators
Engineers • Innovators
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Bachelor | Master | Ph.D
Volusia County
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, recognized worldwide as the unrivaled pinnacle in aviation and aerospace education, enrolls over 34,000 students annually and offers more than 100 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Supporting Embry‑Riddle’s enhanced success in the research field is the new John Mica Engineering & Aerospace Innovation Complex (MicaPlex) located in the Embry‑Riddle Research Park near the Daytona Beach, Florida, campus. The MicaPlex houses multidisciplinary research labs and a high-performance computer facility, supporting research in engineering, space, radar, robotics, advanced materials, smart structures, clean energy systems, and more. With signature labs like the Robotics & Autonomous Systems Facility and the Advanced Dynamics & Control Center, the 50,000-square-foot-building also houses a large-scale subsonic wind tunnel superior to any other similar technology in the Southeast.
Engineers • Innovators
Florida Tech
Bachelor | Master | Ph.D
Brevard County
Florida Tech
Florida Tech's research-intensive College of Engineering and Science (COES) is home to several research labs, centers, and institutes that directly support semiconductor innovation, including the Computation Research At Florida Tech Center (CRAFT) and the L3Harris Institute for Assured Information (L3HIAI) as well as departments that support semiconductor workforce development like Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mathematics and Systems Engineering, and Mechanical and Civil Engineering.
Engineers • Innovators
University of Central Florida
Bachelor | Master | Ph.D
Orange County
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida houses multiple research facilities that contribute to the development of a semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in Central Florida. UCF’s School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training (SMST) has a program that will accelerate the advanced packaging capabilities of semiconductor manufacturers in the state. The SMST is building a digital twin of the semiconductor production facilities at NeoCity in Osceola County, a digital replication of real-world objects or systems. This cutting-edge project hones a new type of talent and attracts companies that recognize the value of university partnerships.
Engineers • Innovators
University of Florida
Bachelor | Master | Ph.D
Alachua County
University of Florida
The University of Florida (UF) provides comprehensive training in multiple focus areas related to the semiconductor industry with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degree programs. The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department provides focus-area training in the physics, design, fabrication, packaging, and assurance of microelectronic circuits and systems as well as in photonic microelectronics. The Materials Science and Engineering Department provides training in the structure, properties, production, and characterization of advanced semiconductor-industry materials as well as a certificate in nanoscale materials characterization. The Chemical Engineering Department provides training in the processes key to semiconductor materials and device fabrication.
Engineers • Innovators
University of South Florida
Bachelor | Master | Ph.D
Pinellas County
University of South Florida
The mission of the College of Engineering at the University of South Florida is to profoundly shape and impact lives through the steadfast pursuit of world-class engineering research, education, and innovation. The college serves more than 7,500 students, offering 11 bachelor’s programs, nine of which are ABET-accredited, as well as 13 master’s and eight doctoral degrees. The college is actively engaged in local and global research activities and has 12 major research centers and institutes and is actively engaged in local and global research activities focused on sustainability, biomedical engineering, computing technology and transportation.
Block: education_slider
Technicians • Operators
Technicians • Operators
Valencia College – Accelerated Skills Training
Osceola County
Valencia College – Accelerated Skills Training
Valencia College is a university that offers a variety of degree programs and accelerated skills in preparation for the semiconductor field. For example, the Robotics, and Semiconductor Technician program was created to train students in robotics technology for semiconductor manufacturing. The program is built with industry feedback on the types of skills workers need. Students learn using advanced machinery provided directly by local companies. Valencia also offers the Precision Optics, Photonics, and Fiber Optics program to train students in optics fabrication, optical assembly, photonics, and fiber optics. The program was designed with industry input from local partnerships like Lockheed Martin and LightPath.
Technicians • Operators
University of South Florida
Pinellas County
University of South Florida
The USF College of Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare students for a broad spectrum of professional careers in engineering. Laboratory experiences, as well as real-world participation in technological problem solving, are key aspects of a student’s education.
Technicians • Operators
Orange Technical College
Orange County
Orange Technical College
Orange Technical College proudly prepares students in Central Florida for various careers and provides programs of study ranging in length from a couple of months to one year or more. Graduates can earn future college credits in most OCPS career certificate programs, as well as gain valuable work-related experience. For example, graduates of the Mechatronics Technology program gain real-world skills in a multidisciplinary engineering field that combines electronic, computer, software, control and systems design engineering, earn a valued professional certification and are accepted for matriculation to Valencia College.
Technicians • Operators
Eastern Florida State College
Brevard County
Eastern Florida State College
Eastern Florida State College’s Center for Innovative Technology Education (CITE) aims to train students in robotics and simulation technician skills to design, operate, test, and repair robotics systems. Students enroll in programs that lead from college certificates to bachelor’s degrees in subject areas such as engineering technology, robotics, mechatronics, 3D printing, computerized drafting, computer information systems and cybersecurity. The center’s training can be tailored to meet employer needs.
Technicians • Operators
Santa Fe College
Alachua County
Santa Fe College
Santa Fe College’s Associate degree in Engineering Technology with a specialization in Advanced Manufacturing prepares students for engineering/manufacturing technology support positions dealing with PLCs, automation, and control systems in high-tech production, manufacturing, production/inventory control, instrumentation, hydraulics, pneumatics, and semiconductors.
Technicians • Operators
Lake Technical College
Lake County
Lake Technical College
Lake Technical College provides several pathways to a career in the semiconductor industry, both through training to become a computer numerically controlled (CNC) production specialist and in the Advanced Manufacturing and Production Technology program. Graduates of these programs are prepared to work in various positions throughout the manufacturing and machining industry from CNC machine operators to collaborative robot (cobot) or robot operators.
Technicians • Operators
Seminole State College
Seminole County
Seminole State College
Seminole State College in Seminole County has several programs preparing students for work in the semiconductor industry or related fields. Graduates of programs like the Mechatronics College Credit Certificate are employed as technicians in mechatronics, robotics, quality control, medical equipment, building automation, or field service. Seminole State also offers programs related to the semiconductor field, including the Automation College Credit Certificate, the Photonic Science & Engineering Associate in Arts Pathway, the Computer Programming and Analysis Associate in Science Pathway, and the Engineering Technology Bachelor of Science Pathway.
Technicians • Operators
St. Petersburg College
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg College
The Engineering Technology program was developed to give manufacturers and advanced technology industries the qualified, highly skilled workers they need. Relevant programs include the Certificate in Mechatronics and the A.S. in Applied Engineering. Students will learn at the Collaborative Center for Emerging Technologies on the Clearwater Campus, which offers a state-of-the-art open manufacturing training facility where they can practice hands-on skills for emerging and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Block: education_slider
Explorers
Explorers
Apopka High School
Advanced Engineering Applications Magnet
Orange County
Apopka High School
This program is focused on applying engineering principles to the real world and has an active robotics program that hosts previous graduates as competition judges. Students are eligible to receive multiple industry certifications related to robotics, unmanned aerial systems, and pre-engineering.
Explorers
Deland High School
Engineering Academy
Volusia County
Deland High School
The Engineering Academy emphasizes math, science, computer, and communication skills while giving students experience with problem solving, logical sequencing, presentation skills, and organizational skills.
Explorers
Edgewater High School
Engineering, Science, and Technology (EST) Magnet
Orange County
Edgewater High School
The EST Magnet’s mission statement is to prepare students for top engineering, science, and technology programs in post-secondary institutions through the use of rigorous and relevant curricula and innovative instructional techniques applied in a real-world learning environment.
Explorers
Liberty High School
Manufacturing Career and Technical Education Academy
Osceola County
Liberty High School
The academy’s goal is to prepare students to work at Osceola County’s 500-acre semiconductor and technology district, NeoCity. Students in this program learn about manufacturing basics, including safety, and equipment, before diving deeper into the manufacturing process, where they work with CNC machines, welding equipment, and more. Students also have the opportunity to earn industry certifications.
Explorers
Loften High School
Academy of Robotics and Engineering
Alachua County
Loften High School
This specialized four-year program helps prepare students for higher education, particularly in engineering, and information technology fields. Students also become certified in industry-leading technologies in engineering and IT.
Explorers
Lyman High School
Academy of Engineering
Seminole County
Lyman High School
This program focuses on incorporating five years of math and four years of science to prepare students for rigorous college coursework. Additionally, the program offers Project Lead the Way (PLTW), which allows students to engage in hands-on, project-based learning. This helps students develop critical thinking skills and apply the math and sciences they have learned by building technological structures like robots and automobiles.
Explorers
NeoCity Academy
Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Biodesign
Osceola County
NeoCity Academy
NeoCity Academy is a public STEM magnet high school in Osceola County. Located in NeoCity–a dynamic community that convenes collaboration between world-renowned universities, leading research institutions, and top-tier companies to create a vibrant ecosystem of smart sensors, photonics, and optics–the project-based STEM magnet high school exhibits extremely important characteristics for a K-12 school aiming to create a cutting-edge environment for its students and inspire a new generation of STEM professionals.
Explorers
The Villages High School
Engineering Academy
Sumter County
The Villages High School
The Engineering Academy provides students with opportunities to learn about various engineering skills and complete various projects similar to those that professional engineers work on. The academy uses project-based learning to provide hands-on activities for students to apply engineering skills.
Explorers
Wekiva High School
Laser Photonics Academy
Orange County
Wekiva High School
Wekiva High School’s Laser Photonics Academy is open to enrollment for 9th and 10th-grade students. Participants enroll in a four-year dual enrollment program with courses in analog and digital circuits, photonics, lasers, and data communication.
Block: two_column
Shania: Future in Focus as a Microelectronic Operator
A graduate of Valencia College’s Robotics and Semiconductor Technician program, Shania now works as a microelectronics operator at Lockheed Martin.
Block: flexible_columns
Join the Florida Semiconductor Engine
Are you an engineer, scientist, business owner, educator, or student ready to tap into the exciting opportunities in this vital industry? Become a Member of the Engine today to get started.