The Temple College board of trustees approved an initial $2.6 million investment into a Roots Education semiconductor and advanced manufacturing training system last week.
The system is the first of its kind in Texas and will be housed in the Visual Arts and Workforce Building — a facility currently under construction at the Temple College Main Campus that is expected to open in January.
“The program will equip students and professionals with the essential skills needed to thrive in one of the fastest-growing sectors in the nation,” DeDe Griffith, Temple College vice president for workforce development, said. “The complete training system and the new degree pathways will be available at Temple College’s main campus in Temple and at the Temple College campus in Taylor, just a few miles from Samsung.”
Students who enroll in the Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing Pathway — which is co-designed and co-delivered by Temple College and Texas A&M University-Central Texas — will be able to utilize the Temple College Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing Center.
“Temple College is excited to partner with Texas A&M University-Central Texas to bring this essential training program to our region,” Temple College President Christy Ponce said. “By investing in education and workforce development, we are not only preparing our students for successful careers but also supporting the economic growth of Central Texas.”
Texas A&M University-Central Texas officials shared that sentiment.
“The semiconductor industry is crucial for our nation’s technological future,” Texas A&M University-Central Texas President Richard Rhodes said. “By implementing the Roots Education Semiconductor Training System, we are fostering a new generation of skilled workers who will drive innovation and economic growth in Texas and beyond.”
The semiconductor and advanced manufacturing training system features two major components: a semiconductor processing system, which is housed in a mock clean room, and the medallion line, which is a manufacturing line that incorporates integrated robotics, robotics maintenance, metallic 3D printing, computerized numerical control production, programmable logic-controlled systems, packaging and logistics.
“I am thrilled to witness the bold initiatives being taken by the leadership at Temple College and Texas A&M University-Central Texas,” Roots Education President Jeff Kondel said in a statement. “Their forward-thinking approach directly addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in semiconductor and advanced automation fields. We at Roots Education are proud to support these efforts with our cutting-edge training technologies. Through our patented semiconductor processing system and medallion line, we are equipping students and professionals with hands-on, real-world experience needed to thrive in this critical sector.”
Enrollment is expected to begin in August 2025.
