TSTC to fuel Texas chip industry with Semiconductor and Robotics programs

(HUTTO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Williamson County campus is expanding its Advanced Manufacturing degree plans with the addition of two programs for the fall 2026 semester.

The college will introduce Semiconductor Technology and Automation and Robotics Technology to meet the region’s growing industrial needs. Alongside the existing Industrial Maintenance program, these new offerings are designed to provide students with the technical foundation required to fill a surging demand for skilled workers across multiple industries.

“With the launch of these two programs, TSTC is strengthening the bridge between Texas students and the semiconductor industry,” said Kelly Coke, provost of TSTC’s Williamson County campus. “We are excited to offer Williamson County a specialized pipeline of talent that addresses the urgent need for local chip production and automated systems. This is a win for our students, our local industry partners and the Texas economy.”

The expansion follows a recent announcement from Gov. Greg Abbott regarding a $3.5 million grant for TSTC’s Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training Program. The funding underscores the state’s commitment to bolstering the domestic chip supply chain.

Joel McCracken, program team lead for Semiconductor Technology, Automation and Robotics and Industrial Maintenance, said the hands-on nature of the curriculum is what sets TSTC apart.

“Our goal is to move students from the classroom to the cleanroom as seamlessly as possible,” McCracken said. “By providing direct experience with the same robotics and automated systems used in modern manufacturing, we are ensuring our graduates are day-one ready. We aren’t just teaching theory; we are building the workforce that will maintain and advance the most sophisticated technology in Texas.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for semiconductor processing technicians is projected to grow 11% nationwide through 2034, a rate classified as “much faster than average.” Texas currently leads the nation with the highest employment level for these roles, a trend intensified by the recent surge in domestic “fab” construction.

Simultaneously, Automation and Robotics careers have earned a “Bright Outlook” designation from O*NET, with Texas-based electro-mechanical and mechatronics technicians earning a median annual salary of $70,290. These figures underscore a critical reality: as modern manufacturing evolves, the need for specialized technicians is outpacing the available talent pool.

Semiconductor Technology and Automation and Robotics Technology will begin classes in fall 2026. Both programs are scheduled to move into the college’s new Manufacturing Technology Center in spring 2027 to prepare for the inaugural cohort.

Registration for the summer and fall semesters is now open. For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.