Hired celebrated first Semiconductor Career Pathways Program graduation with Partners
Hired celebrated its inaugural Semiconductor Career Pathways Program graduation in late June, which was the result of an eighteen-month, in-depth collaboration between: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED); employer partners Polar Semiconductor, Seagate Technology, and Skywater Technology; educational partner Normandale Community College, and Hired, as the workforce development partner and grantee.
This earn-and-learn training program was funded by a Drive for Five Competitive Grant from DEED, and made this effort possible.
The celebration, jointly hosted by Hired and Normandale Community College, included key speakers, who shared their appreciation to the partners and celebratory words to the graduates.
Above: Various leaders from Hired, DEED, Polar Semiconductor, Seagate Technology, Skywater Technology, and Normandale Community College. Photo courtesy of Normandale Community College
Key Speakers Included:
Marc Majors, Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development, DEED;
Deborah Roberts, Senior Director Human Resources, Polar Semiconductor;
Katie Staub, Principal Program Manager, Seagate Technology;
Pakou Yang, Ph. D, Interim President, Normandale Community College;
Telly Mamayek, Vice President of Advancement, Normandale Community College; and
Julie Brekke, President & CEO, Hired.
In this program, participants engaged in ten months of college coursework and career training in advanced manufacturing. The cohort started with career discovery sessions, Hired’s three-week job readiness course, and barrier alleviation support. They then applied for a pre-apprentice job with one of the three employer partners. Once employed full-time as pre-apprentices, participants also took 12 hours of college coursework through Normandale, and had the opportunity to earn the Certified Production Technician certificate, which opens their future career options.
Marc Majors, Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development, DEED attended this first graduation of a Minnesota-based Technician Career Pathway for our state’s burgeoning Semiconductor Industry. In his remarks, he acknowledged the three employer partners, Polar Semiconductor, Seagate, and Skywater, “Without your commitment to this wonderful private and public partnership, the training and the hiring doesn’t happen.”
Photo courtesy of Normandale Community College
Marc then noted that, “This is such a pivotal effort, it brings government, education and industry to the table to solve some of these hard problems, which is to make sure we are getting workers into the workforce.”
The majority of our 16 graduates have accepted permanent roles with our employer partners, while others are either being supported by Hired in their own job search, or have already found employment elsewhere. Many shared that their success in the program was linked to the career readiness and wraparound support provided by Hired.
“It is amazing what happens when targeted training is paired with comprehensive support.
Continued wraparound services by Hired helped participants stay engaged and successful.”
Julie Brekke, Hired’s President and CEO, said, “As a part of many regional industry conversations, we hear repeatedly from employers that they simply can’t grow their business without a skilled and prepared workforce.” Julie shared that this grant support from DEED was really important in creating this new pathway and building a private-public partnership, adding, “With their support, this project was free of charge for all of our graduates… resulting in a paid internship, 12 college credits, and the knowledge and confidence they need for a successful career in this industry.”
Additionally, our speakers shared many words of encouragement with the program graduates:
“Don’t be hesitant, push forward, be humble and don’t let anyone get in the way.” - Marc Majors, Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development, DEED
“It is a lot of courage to take this step forward. You are investing in yourself – don’t pause – keep going. There is nothing to stop you from taking that next step. Every day is before you and for you.” - Deborah Roberts, Senior Director Human Resources, Polar Semiconductor
Two graduates also spoke to their experiences in the program, and shared their excitement for their future in the industry.
Mue Hsae was a youth worker in a past career until she experienced a layoff. This gave her a new opportunity to connect to a career she was excited to pursue.
“I felt incredibly supported by Hired. They helped me with gas money, interview preparation, and even took us shopping for professional clothes so we could show up feeling confident.
When I got the job offer, I thought maybe the support would stop there—but I was wrong. Chan Xiong [the Hired Training & Placement Specialist in the program] continued to check in with me and helped me remove barriers that made it hard to focus, like car issues. Thanks to that support from Hired and funded by DEED, I was able to come to work with less anxiety and more confidence.” – Mue Hsae
Mue Hsae has accepted a role with one of the partners as a production control clerk, and is excited to work towards a degree in computer engineering while developing her career.
As noted by both Employer Partners in their remarks, the support services that Hired provided during the program filled critical gaps that, as employers, they can’t always address. With the support of the DEED funding, and other flexible support Hired receives, our team was able to help participants address challenges such as reliable transportation and gas cards, technology for learning and work, and professional clothing.
“The coaching and check-ins that [Hired’s trainer] Chan did were invaluable.”
Photo courtesy of Normandale Community College
Daniel always wanted a career in technology but didn’t know where to begin. He came to Hired after completing service with the National Guard and several restaurant jobs. In choosing microelectronics, Daniel expressed his interest: “It’s such a unique industry, I have always been so curious about it all.
“This was a great opportunity because I wanted to study while I was working, and continue on a career path. We started as students, but are now contributors to a vital industry.” – Daniel
Daniel is pursuing a degree in computer science and robotics while working; he sees a career in facility engineering for his future.
“I hope that others get to have this experience. It’s a real opportunity”