Recognizing the need to contribute to the entire range of microelectronics workers, Purdue is partnering with Ivy Tech Community College to develop and implement several programs aimed to increase the number of technicians, and also to strengthen the pipeline for four-year degrees. Ivy Tech has more than 40 locations across Indiana and teaches classes in more than 75 communities serving nearly 100,000 students annually. Ivy Tech is the largest public postsecondary institution in Indiana and the largest singly-accredited statewide community college system in the country. 91% of Ivy Tech graduates find job and remain in Indiana and 61% live and find a job within 50 miles of the location from where they graduated.
Purdue and Ivy Tech are exploring pilot programs for recruitment, training, and placement of students, reaching out to local high schools, and informing prospective students of careers in semiconductors and engineering in general. Purdue plans to offer some of its online courses and programs to Ivy Tech Students, and to give them access to virtual training tools.
