IBM and NTID Partner for New, Hi-Tech Courses

IBM and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) today announced they are developing a new program in automation technologies, designed to provide highly trained talent for hire and new opportunities for deaf students.

Students can earn an AAS or an AOS degree in Automation Technologies, specializing in semiconductor equipment maintenance or applied robotics maintenance, pending state approval.

"Our industry demands well-trained people with technical skills and NTID will be prepared to provide a large group of talented students who may well be future IBM stars," said Jack Sinnott, IBM vice president, Human Resources, IBM Microelectronics.

IBM will assist NTID in a consultancy role, helping the college develop curriculum, specifically in semiconductor technology. IBM will provide co-op opportunities for interested and qualified students at its Burlington, VT and East Fishkill, N.Y. fabrication facilities, while NTID will provide expertise and guidance on the accommodations necessary for deaf workers.

"U.S. jobs are growing most rapidly in areas that require skills in science, engineering and technology," said David Lawrence, assistant professor in NTID’s Applied Computer Technology Program, and primary liaison with IBM. "This type of program will help foster an impressive pool of talent in the semiconductor technology field."

In addition, IBM will provide professionals to teach specialized courses within the curriculum, as well as provide internship assignments to NTID faculty members to expand their technical knowledge in the microelectronics field.

The ultimate goal of the partnership is to prepare deaf and hard-of-hearing people for employment opportunities in semiconductor equipment maintenance and applied robotics maintenance positions.

IBM Microelectronics develops, manufactures and markets state-of-the-art semiconductor and interconnect technologies, products and services. IBM makes chips for a wide range of devices from the world’s most powerful computers to the smallest cell phones. Its superior integrated solutions can be found in many of the world’s widely known electronic brands. More information about IBM Microelectronics can be found at www.ibm.com/chips.

The first and largest technological college in the world for students who are deaf and hard of hearing, NTID, one of eight colleges of RIT, offers educational programs and access and support services to 1,100 students from around the world who study, live and socialize with 13,500 hearing students on the RIT campus. Web address: www.rit.edu/NTID.