Training the Workforce Powering Semiconductor Manufacturing
CNF is advancing a specialized training program in ultra-high purity (UHP) welding—a critical skill for building and maintaining semiconductor fabrication infrastructure.
As major microchip facilities like Micron Technology expand into Central New York, the demand for highly skilled technicians is rapidly increasing. CNF’s UHP Welding Program is already underway, connecting students directly to this emerging workforce pipeline.
What is UHP Welding?
Ultra-high purity welding is used to fabricate the ultra-clean piping systems that deliver high purity process gases in semiconductor fabrication facilities. The work requires precision, consistency, and strict contamination control, as even microscopic defects can impact chip performance.
A Direct Pathway to High-Tech Careers
The UHP Welding Program creates a clear bridge from training to employment by combining hands-on technical instruction and practical welding skills through Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) and other regional welding programs with in classroom instruction, cleanroom exposure, virtual reality (VR) instructional experiences, and semiconductor context provided by CNF and Swagelok Western New York.
This two-week educational module prepares participants for entry into advanced manufacturing roles supporting the semiconductor industry by giving them hands on experience with measuring, cutting, bending and welding of UHP stainless steel components.
While this program is designed to support the growing semiconductor workforce, ultra-high purity (UHP) welding is also a highly valued skill in industries including aerospace, shipbuilding, and food and beverage manufacturing, where precision, cleanliness, and process integrity are essential. By learning these advanced techniques, students are preparing for careers in the semiconductor industry and gaining specialized skills that can open doors to a wide range of advanced welding opportunities beyond traditional fabrication careers.
Course Breakdown:
Day 1: CNF visits the classroom to teach students about the microfabrication industry and the importance of welders in the cleanroom facility.
Day 2: Swagelok Western New York visits the classroom to teach students precision measurement and bending of stainless steel tubing.
Days 3-8: Students work in the classroom to fabricate, weld and connect their mock gas lines to custom made fixturing.
Day 9: Students have their first look a the CNF cleanroom facility using our immersive VR content.
Day 10: Students experience the scope of cleanroom welding careers with an in person tour of the CNF cleanroom facility and building infrastructure.
In Action: TST BOCES UHP Welding Course
Featuring the latest training cohort in partnership with Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga (TST) BOCES
Built with Regional BOCES Partners
At the core of the program is CNF’s partnership with regional BOCES districts, including Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga (TST) BOCES. CNF collaborates with BOCES educators to integrate cleanroom-specific welding skills into existing welding programs—ensuring students are trained in techniques directly applicable to semiconductor facilities.
In addition, CNF has partnered with Swagelok Western New York, a nationally recognized supplier of UHP components and orbital welding machines that support the microfabrication and other industries.
Expanding Nationally
With strong early success through BOCES partnerships, CNF is working to expand this model across New York and beyond—creating a scalable, workforce-ready pipeline for semiconductor infrastructure.
Partner With Us
CNF is seeking collaborators across education, workforce development, and industry to grow this effort.
Interested in bringing this program to your region or partnering with CNF? Contact Tom Pennell to begin the conversation: tjp83@cornell.edu
Special thanks
to Chris Marsack of Swagelok Western New York and out partners at Tompkins Seneca Tioga BOCES and Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES for bringing this program to life.