Future semiconductor workforce preparation based on Learning by Doing using Microelectronics Teaching Factory at Arizona State University East

The traditional practice of the semiconductor industry has been to provide in-house hands on training to their newly hired employees (includes operators, technicians and engineers) with basic skills. The Microelectronics Teaching Factory (MTF) at Arizona State University East (ASU East) has taken up the challenge to be of assistance to the Industry by providing work ready graduates who can make an economic contribution immediately after graduation leveraging the experience gained through learning by doing in the classroom. The education effort that is underway in the MTF is fully supported and guided by an active local Semiconductor Industry Advisory Board. In this paper, we describe the installation of a toxic gas monitor in the ASU East MTF clean room facility as an example of a typical student project that encompasses the philosophy of learning by doing.