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State approves new Micron-focused programs at OCC

A large black circular sign with the Onondaga Community College logo.
Onondaga Community College
/
sunyocc.edu
An entrance sign on the Onondaga Community College campus.

Electromechanical technology may sound complicated, but starting in the fall of 2023 students can learn more about it at Onondaga Community College.  The two-year associate or one-year certificate program will be the options for those interested in potentially landing a job at Micron.

Onondaga Community College announced Thursday electromechanical technology is one of two new programs that will train people for the jobs the semiconductor manufacturer will offer.

OCC Provost and Senior VP Anastasia Urtz said that the programs will help students find employment quickly. 

 “The certificate level will prepare people for entry-level positions as technicians, and the full associate degree will help them become promotable more quickly," Urtz said.

Although Micron’s construction isn’t slated to begin until 2024, Urtz said that its impact and the need for employees make the new degree offerings more important for estblishing a foundation.  

“An employer, a business of this scale is going to have transformational impact on our community," Urtz said. "It won’t happen all in one day. Certainly, there is a process over 20 years of all four of these fabs being built.” 

According to Urtz, students will not need to wait until the arrival of Micron for the degrees to be useful.  

“And the degrees we are offering are relevant to existing employers," she said. "This is a great labor market out there. Great opportunities right now today for people to get well-paying jobs in this community” 

In addition to the just-approved electromechanical technology programs, programs in supply chain management, architectural design and construction management will also debut in the fall.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct the name of the school.

Laddie is a graduate BDJ student at Syracuse University