The Highly Automated (Manufacturing) Systems Technician skill standards were developed in 2002 as a national effort by the Maricopa Advanced Technology Center with major funding from the Intel Foundation and supported in part by the National Science Foundation. Companies whose personnel contributed to the development of the skill standards include AMD, Texas Instruments, IBM, Applied Materials, and National Semiconductor.

Importance to Texas

The Highly Automated (Manufacturing) Systems Technician skill standards provide a foundation for advanced manufacturing educational programs and are critical to prepare a highly skilled, highly technical workforce in Texas, particularly in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

The Advanced Technologies and Manufacturing industry is one of six industries included in the Texas Industry Cluster Initiative, which is leading the state toward realizing a vision to build the future economy of the state by focusing on strengthening competitive advantage.

According to the State of Texas Advanced Technologies and Manufacturing Cluster Report of August, 2005: “Advanced manufacturing technologies…are predicted to have an impact of more than $91 billion on the industry, allowing producers to generate products faster, cheaper, and cleaner.  Market trends continue to push prices down, forcing manufacturers to increase efficiency and find new ways to add value to maintain profitability. Investments in technology, a commitment to research and innovation, cross-training the workforce and streamlining the supply chain are among the strategies being employed to reduce costs associated with production and distribution.”

The report indicates a concern about the lack of a skilled workforce pipeline from which to draw future employees. The gap must be decreased between industry needs and the skills graduates have upon entering the workforce. It includes among its recommendations to address this concern that industry must interface with academia for curriculum development. Skill standards are a vehicle for implementing this recommendation.

Highly automated manufacturing systems technicians ensure that the manufacturing system fulfills customer and business requirements. They install and repair equipment on the manufacturing floor. According to Texas Workforce Commission labor market information data, industrial machinery mechanics earn an average hourly wage between $13.44 and $18.44 depending on the worker’s level of responsibility. The occupation is expected to grow steadily but it is also expected to have a strong requirement to fill openings created each year to replace workers who leave the occupation either through new employment or through retirement.

TSSB Recognition

The Austin Area Semiconductor Executive Council (SEC) requested on behalf of SEC’s membership that the TSSB recognize the Highly Automated (Manufacturing) Systems Technician skill standards. The skill standards were recognized at the TSSB’s March 2, 2004 meeting.