From Military to Microchips: NORDTECH’s High-Tech Training Programs for Veterans and Military Personnel

Warrior-Scholar Project: Building Pathways for Veterans

NORDTECH is proud to spotlight Cornell University’s Warrior-Scholar Project (W.S.P.), an intensive two-week academic boot camp to support U.S. Veterans transitioning from military service into civilian life and careers. This immersive program offers Veterans academic preparation and a vital support network to combat feelings of imposter syndrome as they adapt to new learning environments and navigate their employment transitions.

Traditionally, the W.S.P. has focused on the humanities and sciences. However, in 2024, the program expanded its curriculum to include exposure to engineering and microelectronics through the Cornell Nanoscale Facility (C.N.F.), thanks to the influence of the NORDTECH Hub. This strategic expansion aims to introduce Veterans to cutting-edge technology, furthering their understanding of the semiconductor industry. With the growing demand for highly skilled workers in this sector, Cornell Engineering is exploring additional engineering opportunities for Veterans and active-duty personnel as part of the W.S.P. This effort reflects NORDTECH’s broader goal of supporting Veterans in gaining the skills necessary for employment in semiconductor manufacturing and related industries.

This online article expands on how new C.N.F. equipment, funded by NORDTECH’s partnership with M.E. Commons, plays a critical role in this training.

And check out this Cornell University article about how W.S.P. helps veterans adapt to the unique demands of a classroom.

Veterans Semiconductor Training and Experience Program (Vet S.T.E.P.): Bridging Military Expertise with the Semiconductor Industry

A cornerstone of NORDTECH’s Education and Workforce Development program is the Veterans Semiconductor Training and Experience Program (Vet S.T.E.P.), managed by NY CREATES as part of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge initiative. This 10-week program provides active-duty military personnel and veterans with hands-on training and experience in semiconductor manufacturing, offering a crucial pathway for transitioning into civilian careers in this high-demand industry.

Vet S.T.E.P. begins with a two-week classroom instruction at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex and an eight-week internship with a semiconductor employer. The program has seen broad participation from active-duty military personnel from all six branches of the U.S. military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and the newly established Space Force. In 2024, Vet S.T.E.P. expanded to include post-separation military veterans, enhancing opportunities for those participants that have already transitioned out of service, but want to explore a career in semiconductor manufacturing.

So far this year, NORDTECH has sponsored two Vet S.T.E.P. cohorts, each comprising of approximately 12 participants. While some use the program to pursue higher education, most transition directly into advanced manufacturing, particularly within semiconductor companies. For example, Wolfspeed, a leader in silicon carbide power electronics manufacturing, hired three Vet S.T.E.P. graduates from the January cohort: an Air Force Veteran of 20 years now works in their North Carolina fab, while their New York fab hired a Navy Aviation Electrician and a Marine Supply Chain Specialist.

Other semiconductor employers are also benefiting from the program’s talent pipeline. Tokyo Electron hired an Army Aircraft Technician Veteran as a Field Service Engineer in Arizona, and PCI Calibration hired a Navy Nuclear Technician to serve as a field calibration specialist. Success stories from the April cohort include three veterans joining Tokyo Electron as Field Service Engineers in Texas and New York, a Marine joining Wolfspeed in New York, and placements at Kokusai and Semikron-Danfoss in Oregon and New York, respectively.

The rapid uptake of Vet S.T.E.P. graduates into the U.S. semiconductor industry underscores the immense value veterans bring to this sector. Their ability to adapt to the complex, fast-paced environment of semiconductor manufacturing demonstrates how military expertise can translate into civilian success. NORDTECH’s sponsorship of Vet S.T.E.P. is crucial in maintaining this vital talent pipeline, helping the U.S. semiconductor industry thrive and grow as the nation builds a robust, resilient semiconductor ecosystem.

To learn more about the impact of Vet S.T.E.P., watch this inspiring YouTube video.

By supporting initiatives like the Warrior-Scholar Project and Vet S.T.E.P., NORDTECH is committed to empowering veterans with the skills, experiences, and confidence they need to transition into meaningful civilian careers—particularly within the semiconductor industry, a field that is essential to U.S. national security and technological leadership.

Information presented in this article was in collaboration with NORDTECH’s Workforce Advisory Committee.