Florida’s semiconductor industry is growing, and with that growth comes an increasing demand for skilled talent. For manufacturers, that often means balancing immediate production needs with the longer-term challenge of building a workforce that can sustain growth.
The University of Florida’s Florida Semiconductor Institute (FSI) and the Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine, in partnership with FloridaMakes and the Florida Advanced Technological Education Center (FLATE), are supporting a statewide internship program that connects students directly with semiconductor companies across Florida.
This effort is designed to do more than introduce students to manufacturing. It creates a direct connection between emerging talent and real production environments, giving manufacturers access to individuals who can contribute while they learn.
Students from universities, state colleges, and technical colleges are placed within manufacturing operations, working alongside engineering and production teams. They support testing, production, and process improvement efforts, gaining exposure to the expectations and pace of advanced manufacturing while contributing to meaningful work.
At AAA Engineering & Test Lab, this model is already delivering results. Interns are integrated into core engineering operations and, after training on company processes, begin working directly with engineers to handle, test, and evaluate real-world products. Their work spans test bench development, software integration, equipment management, and product evaluation.
These contributions are not theoretical. Interns have helped design and set up complex test systems, introduced new approaches to testing, and supported improvements in on-time delivery performance.
“The interns have had a tremendous impact on AAA, our employees, customers, and suppliers. Because they are quickly integrated into our processes, they have helped design and set up complex test benches, create new ways of testing, and have increased our on-time delivery metrics.”
— Hayden Green, General Manager, AAA Engineering & Test Lab
For manufacturers, this creates both immediate operational value and a new way to think about developing talent internally. Interns are not only supporting day-to-day operations, they are contributing ideas, problem-solving, and bringing a fresh perspective to the work.
Manufacturers also see value in that perspective. New approaches, hands-on curiosity, and a willingness to engage can strengthen teams and improve how work gets done. This combination of contribution and new thinking is what makes the model effective.
Beyond day-to-day contributions, the program addresses a broader workforce need. By engaging students early, manufacturers can identify potential hires, reduce onboarding time, and build a pipeline of talent that already understands their processes and expectations. This creates a more efficient path from education to employment while strengthening retention and long-term workforce stability.
For students, the experience provides direct exposure to semiconductor manufacturing and a clearer understanding of career opportunities available in Florida. It connects education to application in a way that traditional classroom settings cannot replicate.
This internship model reflects a broader effort to align workforce development with the needs of Florida’s advanced manufacturing industries. Through collaboration between industry, education, and workforce partners, FloridaMakes and its partners are helping create a more responsive and connected talent pipeline.
For manufacturers, it is a practical approach to workforce development that delivers value today while building capacity for the future.
FloridaMakes and its partners continue to expand this model to meet the growing demand for semiconductor talent across the state. Students interested in gaining hands-on experience in semiconductor manufacturing are encouraged to apply. Manufacturers interested in learning more about workforce development programs and future opportunities to engage can connect with the FloridaMakes team.
Apply for the Internship Program:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FSIStudent2025
Connect with FloridaMakes:
info@floridamakes.com
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