Fast track to a high-paying job: PCC opening doors to semiconductor industry
Photos and story by James Hill
For graduates like Emily Peng, Quick Start was a needed spark in her career.
For many, the idea of landing a stable, well-paying job without years of schooling might sound too good to be true. But at Portland Community College, an innovative on-ramp course is proving that it’s entirely possible—and in just 10 days.
Set against the backdrop of a growing semiconductor industry, PCC’s Quick Start Semiconductor Technician Training is recruiting new students for its fall cohorts. It is a class that is helping individuals, especially those from underrepresented groups, carve out rewarding careers in one of the most vital sectors of the modern world. Since its launch in late 2022, the program has already graduated 391 students, 77% of whom are women and people of color, creating opportunities where they were once scarce.
“As the demand for semiconductors continues to grow, so too does the need for skilled technicians,” said Justina Williamson, PCC workforce development manager. “And with a program this accessible, more people than ever have the chance to build lasting, fulfilling careers in an industry that shows no signs of slowing down.”
For those entering the field, the benefits are substantial. Entry-level semiconductor technicians can expect to earn between $18-24 per hour, often with comprehensive benefits. But perhaps one of the most attractive aspects is the schedule. Unlike many industries, semiconductor employees typically work condensed shifts—three or four days on, followed by several days off—allowing them to maintain a balance between work and personal life.
Semiconductor Training
PCC has built a healthy semiconductor pathway to address the worker shortage. From short-term introductory courses to the industry offering programs like Quick Start to two-year degrees in microelectronics and electronic engineering, PCC offers many options to learn the principles of advanced manufacturing that provide pathways to living wage jobs and long-term careers in semiconductors.
What sets PCC’s program apart is its accessibility. There are no barriers in the form of prior experience or lengthy prerequisites. All it takes to enroll is a high school diploma or GED, opening the door for individuals looking to make a career change or enter the workforce for the first time. Interested students can see if Quick Start is for them by taking this pre-assessment survey.
The training itself is intensive but manageable, with classes held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. Over 10 days, students learn the ins and outs of semiconductor manufacturing, gaining the technical skills they need to secure high-paying positions immediately after completing the program.
The program’s success can be measured not just in numbers, but in its ability to lift up those who have historically been left out of high-tech industries. PCC’s initiative is designed to give underrepresented groups—especially women and people of color—a foothold in a growing field. This inclusive approach has resulted in a 66% job placement rate for graduates.
For graduates like Emily Peng, Quick Start was a needed spark in her career. The Bethany resident’s journey to securing a position at Intel was made possible by the career exploration and support programs at PCC. Peng, originally from Taiwan, decided to make a career change upon moving to the United States with her husband. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and working towards a master’s degree in Industrial Design, Peng found herself in Oregon seeking new career opportunities.
Unable to find a job in her field upon arriving in Portland, Peng decided to pivot her employment path. Her journey took a significant turn when she happened upon the Willow Creek Opportunity Center, a hub for career and workforce development, during her daily commute on the light rail. This encounter led Peng to explore the various resources available to her as an immigrant seeking to build a career in a new country. It eventually led to Quick Start and now she has accepted a job offer from Intel in its technology development.
“All of the instructors were very nice and supported my journey,” Peng said of Quick Start. “PCC has so many programs and a lot of resources I could access. I’m really grateful because I did not have a related degree in semiconductors, and I didn’t think I could work at a big company like Intel. But I am!”
For more information, email quickstart-group@pcc.edu or call 971-722-2610.
For additional program information, visit the website at /semiconductor/.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »