ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA / AGILITYPR.NEWS / July 23, 2026 / St. Petersburg College (SPC) is expanding its leadership in advanced manufacturing and technology education by launching its new Semiconductor Cleanroom Operator Certificate, beginning this fall. The 18-credit certificate program will prepare students for careers in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy while helping meet Florida's increasing demand for skilled manufacturing technicians.

According to Deloitte, the global semiconductor industry is projected to reach a record $975 billion in annual sales by 2026, fueled by increasing demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure and next-generation technologies.

Cleanrooms play a critical role in semiconductor production, providing highly controlled environments where even microscopic particles are eliminated to ensure the quality and reliability of semiconductor chips. These chips power modern technologies ranging from smartphones and computers to artificial intelligence systems, medical devices and advanced manufacturing equipment.

The new certificate offers students a flexible pathway into the semiconductor industry, allowing them to gain specialized workforce skills quickly or apply their coursework toward SPC’s Applied Engineering Technology Associate in Science program.

"The semiconductor industry is driving innovation across nearly every sector of our economy," said Belinthia Berry, SPC’s Dean of Workforce Development. "This new certificate gives students access to high-demand careers while providing employers with the skilled talent needed to support continued growth in advanced manufacturing throughout Florida."

The Semiconductor Cleanroom Operator Certificate is the latest addition to SPC's Semiconductor, Mechatronics, Automation and Robotics Training (SMART) Tech programs, which are supported by $7.2 million in workforce development grants from the State of Florida. Earlier this year, the College launched Electronic Assembly Operator and Robotics and Semiconductor Technician training programs, providing graduates with industry-recognized credentials and employers with a growing pipeline of qualified workers. Through collaborations with industry leaders such as Jabil, SPC continues to align its curriculum with workforce needs and expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor technologies.

Meeting Industry Demand

Florida continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation, with Pinellas County serving as a major hub for the high-tech industry. Major employers in the region include Jabil, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Plasma-Therm and Bigorre Aerospace.

"With the global growth in AI and other advanced technologies, demand for semiconductor manufacturing and testing is only increasing,” said John Kraus, Vice President of Operations, North America, at Jabil.

“For companies like Jabil, it’s critical that we collaborate with academic leaders like SPC to provide our future workforce with the training and hands-on experience they need to hit the ground running when they enter the manufacturing industry.”

Industry leaders and workforce development partners recognize SPC's growing impact on Florida's advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

"St. Petersburg College is a cornerstone of Florida's high-tech manufacturing education ecosystem," said Ernie Friend, Executive Director of the Florida Advanced Technological Education Center (FLATE) at FloridaMakes. "By aligning their semiconductor and SMART Tech programs directly with industry needs, they aren't just teaching students — they are building the highly skilled workforce that will power Florida's global competitiveness for decades to come."

According to the Florida Department of Commerce, Florida's manufacturing industry employed 434,600 workers in March 2025, representing an increase of 5,700 jobs compared to the previous year. The state is also home to more than 27,000 manufacturing establishments, reflecting a 32% increase since 2019.

Through hands-on training, industry-aligned curriculum and strategic partnerships with employers, SPC continues to create pathways to high-wage, high-demand careers while supporting economic growth throughout the Tampa Bay region and beyond.

For more information about the Semiconductor Cleanroom Operator Certificate and other Engineering and Manufacturing programs, visit SPC's website.