Imagine trying to squeeze the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex onto the tip of a ball-point pen. This is the same concept semiconductor manufacturing technicians use when making microprocessor chips or semiconductors. These tiny devices control the flow of electrons in just about every electronic product made today, including computers, televisions, cellular phones and even automobile engines. Through recent technological advances, the semiconductor industry has proven that less is more, helping produce faster and more compact electronic equipment for today's high-tech consumer market.

Because of the growing demand for semiconductors, career opportunities for individuals in the industry are higher than ever before. Researchers predict the semiconductor job market will grow by 20 percent within the next three years, with the addition of 40,000 more jobs by 2005. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' "Occupational Outlook Handbook" also reveals positions for semiconductor manufacturing technicians to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2008. As a result, successful graduates of Texas State Technical College 's Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (SMT) can look forward to exciting, rewarding and high-paying career opportunities.

Did you know that some of Hollywood 's top box office movies, including "Star Wars" and "Independence Day," relied on semiconductors for their high-powered, special-effects systems? Semiconductor manufacturing technicians also create the microprocessor chips that power state-of-the-art graphic systems for the World Wide Web.