Summa starts course Working in a cleanroom

Many high-tech companies in the Brainport region use cleanroom technology. These include companies in the semiconductor, medical, defense, and precision engineering industries. Everything revolves around extremely clean and controlled working practices. Demand for employees who are proficient in this area is high. Companies indicate a continued need for skilled professionals who can work in a cleanroom environment.

That is why Summa is starting a course 'Working in a clean roomThe course is offered in Dutch and English. It is intended for working people, career changers, and companies that want to prepare employees for roles in or around a cleanroom environment.

Companies indicate that employees with cleanroom competencies deliver cleaner, complex products. Working in a cleanroom requires specific work ethic regarding contamination, behavior, process discipline, and material use. This prevents contamination of materials and products, leading to less waste, lower costs, and fewer delays in the complex and critical production process.

The course focuses on what's often referred to in the field as "clean way of working." This means understanding what contamination is, how it occurs, and how to prevent contamination of products, materials, or spaces. Participants learn how to properly dress, keep materials clean, the rules of conduct in and around a cleanroom, and how to work according to established procedures.

The training consists of two intensive half-day sessions with explanations, practical assignments in a simulated cleanroom, and practice following real cleanroom protocols. What sets the course apart is that participants apply rules and procedures directly. They wear cleanroom clothing and visualize contamination using a microscope and UV light. Participants can also opt for a third additional half-day session. This can take place in a cleanroom environment at a fellow vocational institution or within their own company.

The course content was compiled by cleanroom expert Juriaan Vis, who develops educational programs for Summa. He worked with suppliers for many years and knows the industry inside and out. To develop this program, he spoke with first-tier suppliers: direct suppliers of major high-tech companies in the region. They indicated the knowledge and skills employees need to be ready for immediate deployment.

With this course, Summa is leading the way in developing education around cleanroom technology. In addition to this offering for working professionals, Summa has also developed a vocational elective course in Cleanroom/Contamination Control, which students from all over the Netherlands can enroll in. Summa also provides training for teachers who want to implement this type of education.

The Dutch course will be held on Tuesday, March 31, Wednesday, April 1, and optionally on Thursday, April 2. The English course will take place on Monday, April 13, and Tuesday, April 14, with a possible additional half-day on Thursday, April 16. Registration is possible via Summa's website.

This activity is made possible in part by the National Microchip Talent Strengthening Plan. In the Brainport region, TU/e, Fontys, Summa, Ter AA, Brainport Development, and the covenant partners are joining forces with government and industry under the name Talent for Semicon. Together, we will train thousands of new people for the microchip industry by 2030. This will strengthen the international competitive position of the Netherlands and the Brainport region as a high-tech region.

Covenant partners: Curio, Gilde Opleidingen, Koning Willem 1 College, Sint Lucas, Yonder, Yuverta, Avans University of Applied Sciences, HAN University of Applied Sciences, and Zuyd University of Applied Sciences.