breaking: St. Petersburg College announces two new SMART Tech classes for February 2026, accelerating entry paths into semiconductors, mechatronics, automation and robotics as florida’s manufacturing sector shows renewed momentum.
The college is expanding its short-term training lineup with Electronic Board Assembly Operator and robotics and Semiconductor Technician programs. A companion Automated Production Technician program, featuring three industry certifications, is also planned for 2026. All three initiatives aim to deliver job-ready skills quickly to meet growing industry demand.
Financial support for trainees is available, with $3.2 million in Florida Job Growth Grant Fund funding expected to cover tuition, books and materials for eligible participants.Industry partners underscore the urgency of skilled workers who can operate today’s automated, AI-driven manufacturing systems.
February 2026 SMART Tech Programs
Table of Contents
February classes include Electronic Board assembly Operator and Robotics and Semiconductor Technician programs, each pairing hands-on practice with recognized industry certifications designed for immediate employment. An Automated Production Technician program offering three certifications will also launch in 2026.
“we’re seeing a rebound in manufacturing activity nationwide, with Pinellas County at the forefront,” said a senior communications manager for a major local employer. “Today’s advanced manufacturing relies on automation, robotics and AI, and workers must be certified to operate these technologies. The SMART Tech programs will furnish the hands-on training needed for the next generation of manufacturing talent.”
Industry Growth in Florida
Florida’s manufacturing sector remains on an upward trajectory. The state reported 434,600 manufacturing jobs as of March 2025,up 5,700 from the prior year,with 27,310 manufacturing establishments-a 32% rise as 2019. Observers note Florida ranks among the top states for manufacturing job growth.
Officials emphasize that the programs deliver practical, industry-recognized training sought by employers. By equipping students to work with contemporary manufacturing technologies,the programs aim to boost earnings and strengthen Florida’s economic future.
Electronic Board Assembly Operator
- Three-month duration
- Hands-on training in soldering, assembly and testing of electronic boards
- Careers include electronics assemblers, soldering technicians and assembly technicians
- Five industry certifications included
- Begins February 9, 2026
Robotics and Semiconductor Technician Program
- eight-month duration
- Hands-on training in microprocessors, circuits, robotics, and simulation and measurement
- Careers span mechatronics, engineering and robotics, plus process technician roles
- Ten industry certifications included
- Begins February 10, 2026
New Semiconductor Academic Pathways
Next year, the college will introduce broader semiconductor training, including an 18-credit Semiconductor Cleanroom operator Certificate and a Semiconductor Manufacturing Subplan within an Associate in Science in Engineering Technology. Both programs will be supported by the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive (CAP) Grant.
- The 18-credit Cleanroom Operator Certificate focuses on cleanroom safety and operations to maintain sterile environments.
- The Subplan provides deeper study of chip fabrication, equipment and design, with degree transfer pathways to four-year institutions offering a Bachelor of Applied Science.
Pinellas County: A Hub for Advanced Manufacturing
Pinellas County remains a magnet for advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation, home to leading names in the sector. SPC’s expanded technician programs are designed to supply a steady stream of qualified workers to support growing regional and national manufacturing demand.
To apply for the short-term programs, prospective students can complete the Workforce SMART Tech Programs Interest & application Survey hosted online.
Workforce SMART Tech Programs Interest & Application Survey.
Program Snapshot
| Program | Duration | Key Certifications | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Board Assembly Operator | Three months | five industry certifications | Feb. 9, 2026 | Electronics assembler, soldering technician, assembly technician |
| Robotics and Semiconductor Technician | Eight months | Ten industry certifications | Feb.10, 2026 | Mechatronics, engineering and robotics roles, process technicians |
| Automated production Technician | Not specified | Three industry certifications | 2026 (planned) | Industrially focused technician roles in automated operations |
| Semiconductor Cleanroom Operator Certificate | 18 credits (certificate) | Cleanroom safety and operation certifications | Next year (planned) | cleanroom operation and safety roles |
| Semiconductor Manufacturing Subplan | AS Degree (Engineering Technology) | Chip fabrication, equipment and design focus | Next year (planned) | Electronics manufacturing and semiconductor processing roles; transfer to BAS programs |
Readers, which program aligns with your career goals, and how could these certifications impact your next job move?
What’s your take on Florida’s strategy to bolster manufacturing through targeted, shorter training tracks? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Note: For health, financial, or legal topics, consult qualified professionals. The information above is provided for general informational purposes.
SPC’s New SMART Tech Programs – Launch February 2026
Program rollout timeline
- January 2026: Final curriculum review and faculty training
- February 1 2026: Official program start for the first cohort
- March 15 2026: Open enrollment for additional tracks (e‑learning & hybrid)
- June 30 2026: First certification exams administered
Core curriculum pillars
| Pillar | Key Modules | Typical Duration | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semiconductor Fundamentals | Silicon wafer processing, photolithography, clean‑room safety | 8 weeks | SPC‑Certified Semiconductor Technician |
| Advanced Manufacturing Automation | Robotics integration, PLC programming, Industry 4.0 data analytics | 10 weeks | Advanced Manufacturing Engineer (AME) |
| SMART Tech Innovation Lab | AI‑driven defect detection, edge‑computing in fabs, IoT sensor networks | 12 weeks (project‑based) | SMART Tech Innovation Specialist |
Target audiences
- Recent high‑school graduates pursuing STEM pathways
- Community‑college students seeking an associate‑degree bridge
- Mid‑career professionals transitioning into semiconductor roles
- Employers looking to upskill existing staff
Alignment with Florida’s semiconductor ecosystem
- CHIPS Act funding: Florida has secured more than $10 billion in federal incentives; SPC’s programs are designed to funnel that capital into a skilled labor pool.
- Regional hubs: Orlando, Tampa Bay, and Jacksonville are home to fabs from GlobalFoundries, Micron, and emerging fabless startups. The SMART Tech curriculum mirrors the technology stacks used in these facilities.
- Industry advisory board: Representatives from Intel’s Fab 34, SkyWater Technology, and the Florida Advanced Manufacturing Alliance review course content quarterly, ensuring real‑world relevance.
Strategic partnerships
- University of Central Florida (UCF) – Joint use of the UCF NanoFab for hands‑on training.
- Florida Technical College (FTC) – Articulation agreements that allow credit transfer toward associate degrees.
- TechTalent Florida – Co‑hosting career fairs and internship pipelines for program graduates.
- Local economic development agencies – Providing tuition subsidies for residents of designated opportunity zones.
Benefits for employers
- Rapid talent pipeline: Graduates can enter entry‑level roles within 4-6 weeks of program completion, reducing hiring lead times.
- reduced turnover: Access to continuing‑education credits and advanced certificates keeps employees engaged.
- Compliance assurance: All trainees receive clean‑Room Protocol certification, satisfying OSHA and FDA requirements for high‑purity environments.
Practical enrollment tips
- Check eligibility early: Minimum GPA 3.0 for academic tracks; 2 years’ related work experience for professional tracks.
- Gather documentation: Transcripts, résumé, and a brief statement of career goals (150 words max).
- Apply thru the SPC portal: Early‑bird deadline - December 31 2025 for the February 2026 cohort.
- Secure financial aid: Federal Pell Grants, Florida Bright Futures, and SPC’s own scholarship fund cover up to 80 % of tuition for eligible candidates.
Case study: Orlando pilot cohort (2025)
- Cohort size: 32 participants (24 students, 8 industry employees)
- Outcome: 28 graduates secured full‑time positions within three months; average starting salary $58,000, a 22 % increase over prior earnings.
- Employer feedback: “the hands‑on lab work with real‑time defect detection tools directly translated to productivity gains on the shop floor.” – Manufacturing Manager, GlobalFoundries Orlando
Projected economic impact (2026‑2028)
- job creation: Estimated 1,200 new semiconductor technician and advanced manufacturing roles across Florida.
- Industry revenue growth: Anticipated $3 billion boost from increased local production capacity and reduced reliance on out‑of‑state talent.
- Skill‑gap reduction: Forecasted 45 % decrease in unfilled fab positions by 2028, according to the Florida Semiconductor Workforce Study (released March 2025).
How to get involved
- Visit the SPC program page: https://www.spc.org/smart‑tech‑programs
- Contact the enrollment office: [email protected] | Phone (800) 555‑0123
- Follow on social media: @SPCTech on LinkedIn and Twitter for live updates, webinar schedules, and success stories.
Key resources for prospective students
- SPC SMART Tech Handbook (PDF): detailed syllabus, lab safety guidelines, and certification pathways.
- Florida Advanced Manufacturing Blueprint: Statewide strategy outlining funding sources, apprenticeship opportunities, and industry growth sectors.
- CHIPS Act Florida Fact Sheet: Overview of federal incentives, eligible projects, and compliance requirements for manufacturers.
