Sierra College, Bosch Collaborate to Upskill Associates at Silicon Carbide Fab in Roseville

First Certificates Awarded Under Fast-Track Mechatronics Program

ROCKLIN, Calif., Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sierra College yesterday awarded certificates of achievement to 10 Bosch associates who recently completed a customized Mechatronics program. The program was designed through collaboration between Sierra and Bosch to help prepare workers with the skills and training that will be needed as Bosch works toward production of the first silicon carbide chips at the Roseville site in 2026.

"Sierra College is passionate about working with area employers like Bosch to deliver customized training solutions that match their business needs," said Amy Schulz, Sierra College Executive Dean for Workforce and Strategic Initiatives. "Working closely with the Bosch team, we were able to design a condensed Mechatronics certificate program that emphasized the specific, hands-on training that employees will need as the Bosch facility comes online. As Bosch becomes an even larger part of our local economy and community, Sierra is excited to support its success."

Typically an 18-24 month program, Sierra College and Bosch designed a Mechatronics certificate that could be completed in one year by adding summer session classes and additional lab space for Bosch associates. "Access to skilled workers and education is vital for Bosch's plans for our silicon carbide fab," said Sara Lausmann, Line Maintenance Manager at Bosch in Roseville and past graduate of the Mechatronics program. "Sierra College was able to design a program to meet our needs within two months and take full advantage of this time before the plant is in operation by helping our current workers upskill and prepare for a new type of work in a state-of-the-art facility. This collaboration is one of many win-wins we see for Bosch and the community."

In April 2023, Bosch announced and closed an acquisition of an existing wafer fab in Roseville and has begun the process to transform the site. Since the acquisition, Bosch has retained nearly all of the 250 associates during the transformation process as it prepares for the 2026 launch production of 200-millimeter wafers based on the pioneering silicon carbide Bosch technology. Bosch plans to invest up to $1.9 billion to transform the site, supported by a $25 million California Competes Tax Credit approved by the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and up to $225 million in proposed direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act with the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In addition to training its current workforce, Bosch is also investing locally to help build up semiconductor expertise for the future. The Bosch Community Fund provided a $100,000 grant to the Sierra College Foundation in Rocklin, California for its Career Technical Education Support Fund. The grant has helped to support associated costs with certification fees, microcontroller kits, development material, software, protective gear, tools, entry and travel fees for STEM competitions, project supplies for STEM Clubs and more.

Sierra College's Mechatronics program – housed within its Business and Technology Division – includes the study of robotics and industrial automation and offers students multiple educational options, including Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degree, a Certificate of Achievement and a Skills Certificate. Mechatronics students work in many fields, including electronics, mechanical systems, programming, semiconductors, manufacturing and transportation. Jobs include field service technicians, industrial electricians, fabricators, assemblers, PLC programmers and microcontroller programmers. Classes are scheduled to meet the needs of a variety of learners, including night class offerings. To learn more about enrolling in the Mechatronics program, go to www.sierracollege.edu/mechatronics.

Across its more than 120 degrees and certificates, Sierra College regularly works with industry groups and individual employers to understand labor market needs and changes in technology and machinery to deliver a rigorous, relevant educational experience that prepares students for work on day one. Through its 21 Career Continuing Technical Education programs, Sierra College prepares students for employment in specific high-demand sectors such as manufacturing, building industries, IT and computer science, automotive technology, nursing and allied health, public safety and business. Sierra also delivers customized training programs for individual employers to retrain and upskill their workforce.

Photos of the event are available here: Bosch Graduation, Feb 12, 2025 (Flickr Album).

About Sierra College

Sierra College District is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu.

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SOURCE Sierra College