MVCC receives $2 million to open semiconductor and advanced-manufacturing training center

UTICA, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) has received $2 million in federal funding to create a new semiconductor and advanced-manufacturing training center.

MVCC will renovate and expand the science and technology building on its Utica campus to house the center, which will feature industrial-grade workforce training equipment, according to a release from U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), who helped secure the funding through congressionally directed spending in the end-of-year federal-budget package.

The new center, along with other regional operations, will help the Utica and Oneida County region grow as an emerging high-tech hub while also ensuring workers have the skills they need.

The center will help MVCC as it works to expand programs and partner with local companies to create a talent pipeline in the tech industry, Schumer said.

“This will secure the necessary tools and equipment to train the workforce in semiconductor and robotics fields in our community, which is instrumental in promoting economic growth in Oneida County and the semiconductor industry of upstate New York,” MVCC President Randall J. VanWagoner said. “By providing our students with access to the latest technology and innovative capabilities, we will be helping them to pursue the best possible education and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their career paths.”

The project targets training for semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, and related science and technology careers and will support many of MVCC’s existing credentialing and degree programs including semiconductor manufacturing, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, and metal fabrication. The project will also revamp existing programs like the electrical-service-technician program, which will transform into a new industrial-automation associate degree.

MVCC expects to complete the project in 2025. Once up and running, the center will support workforce development for companies like Wolfspeed, Micron, Indium Corporation, Semikron-Danfoss, and Fabmatics.