KISSIMMEE, Fla. — New efforts are underway to expand Central Florida’s semiconductor industry as the area aims to grow as a major tech hub.

County and state officials say the economic impact of manufacturing microchips would be significant to Osceola County, providing high-paying jobs and creating long-term residents within this community.

What You Need To Know

  • Valencia College opens new semiconductor manufacturing lab on Dec. 4

  • Osceola County received millions of dollars in funding to help in the growth of semiconductor manufacturing works, utilizing funds to update a learning lab at Valencia College and train students in the field

  • Starting wages for students who graduate from the 22-week training program ranges from $21 to $27 an hour

Valencia College offers a 22-week training program, which teaches 60 students on how to assemble and program robots, among other duties.

The college recently received $4.1 million through the Florida Job Growth grant to double the number of students in the program.

The school opened a tour of the new semiconductor lab Monday to attract more students to the profession.

Bringing more people to the profession is something the CEO of Sawstreet, an Orlando-based private company in the semiconductor industry, said is important.

“Take a look where semiconductors are at in this world. It’s critical to have that infrastructure here in the states,” said Jim Young, CEO of Sawstreet. “We see what supply chains do when you can’t get your product quick enough.”

County leaders say the training will prepare students to work and economically give back to their community by staying local and working for NeoCity. Starting salaries for graduates of the program range from $21 to $27 an hour.