OMA and NIMS partner to launch semiconductor technician credentials

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) are launching two new microcredentials for the semiconductor industry in 2026. Co-developed with Intel, Tosoh, and Micron, the credentials target two critically demanded positions: equipment technicians and facility technicians. Together, these industry leaders identified the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities in these two areas and worked with education providers to develop standards, performance measures, and knowledge checks to design the two credentials.

In the final step of the development process, industry subject matter experts, faculty, and students in semiconductor-related programs will pilot the credentials for finalization and deployment to the field for the 2026-2027 school year. The credentials will be available for instruction in K-12 and postsecondary programs to validate the critical skills needed in this industry sector.

For more information, contact Montez King from NIMS at mking@nims-skills.org, or Ken Polland at kpoland@ohiomfg.com.

NIMS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit formed in 1995 to develop and maintain a globally competitive American workforce. The vision of NIMS is to build a globally competitive American workforce through collaboratively established industry standards, proven training frameworks and processes that dynamically respond to our technology-driven economy.