‘There is Opportunity for You’: How Samsung Austin Semiconductor is Launching Careers

Since implementing its 5-star Workforce Development plan in 2023 to develop a talent pipeline for the company’s projected growth, Samsung Austin Semiconductor has invested millions in workforce development programs that support education, training and career pathways designed to help prepare the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing talent.

During a special event on Oct. 15, Samsung Austin Semiconductor announced it is increasing its workforce development investments.

• $10.64 million for the 5-Star Workforce Development partners from 2026-2029:
  • $2.66 million for the 2026 5-Star Workforce Development partnerships
  • 3-year extensions for the 5-Star Workforce Development partnerships totaling $7.98 million.
    •  The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University each receiving $1 million per year from 2027-2029.
    •  Austin Community College, Skillpoint Alliance and Texas State Technical College investments totaling $660,000 from 2027-2029.

At the event, the company also announced a $1.5 million investment for a new Skilled Trades Employment Pathway (STEP) program with Taylor Independent School District (ISD). STEP is an enhanced vocational training program for electricians, welders, pipefitters and HVAC professionals.

“Hiring, training and retaining people. It sounds very simple. But if you speak to any manager or HR professional it’s not easy. Those are our biggest challenges. I truly believe the way to solve this is to partner with the local communities,” David Gentry, Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s vice president of the People team, said.

This year, Taylor ISD is receiving $2.5 million as part of the company’s Spark! program and $1.5 million for the new STEP program.

“There are moments when you can see the future of a community taking shape right in front of you and today is one of those moments. I’d like to thank our partners at Samsung for their continued commitment to Taylor ISD and the students we serve,” Taylor ISD Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen said. “Today’s combined $4 million contribution represents much bigger than a financial contribution and investment. It reflects a growing partnership and a shared vision and belief in what is possible when public education and industry work together.”

From Duck to Longhorn

During the event, two previous college interns, one from The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) and one from Texas A&M University, spoke about the opportunities Samsung Austin Semiconductor has offered them.

Jett Vanbrocklin, a senior studying Electrical and Computer Engineering at UT Austin, started as a Taylor ISD duck before becoming a longhorn.

“My journey with Samsung began as a high school student at Taylor High School through Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s High School Internship program, where I had the privilege of interning in the Innovation department, an experience that fundamentally shifted my trajectory,” Vanbrocklin said.

Fast forward a few years, Vanbrocklin returned to Samsung Austin Semiconductor this past summer as a college intern armed with the foundation he set from his time as a high school intern.

“Rather than inspiring me to change direction, [the college internship] gave me insight in the direction I was going. I love robotics. Samsung showed me robotics from a new perspective as an intern for the Robotics Integration team. I saw firsthand the overhead that follows the deployment of robots in a dynamic and complex environment,” he added.

Vanbrocklin told students in the audience to make connections and “shamelessly” use them. 

‘My path was not a straight line’

Samantha Merton, Texas A&M University senior, dreamt of going to college, but her path to becoming an engineer was a little less conventional.

“As I stand here today, I am mindful that my path to this room was not a straight line,” Merton said. “Almost a decade ago, I didn’t have much—including a home—and I didn’t think the world saw me.”

Even during a tough period in her life where she was homeless, Merton still held on to hope and the goals she wanted to set for herself.

 “The bridge from that dream to this reality was built by the generosity of others. My journey into engineering began with the Texas A&M Engineering Academy in Houston. That experience was transformative and it was the first time I realized that a career in engineering wasn’t just a dream, but a possibility.”

As part of Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s investment in Texas A&M University, the school provides scholarships and fellowships to students. Merton received assistance through Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s fellowship↗ and has been a college intern with the company for the past two summers.

“While my first year was about learning how to be an intern, this year was about learning how to be an engineer,” Merton continued. “With this experience, my perspective on the profession has completely shifted. I used to think being a great engineer was about being the smartest person in the room. I now know that it’s actually about being creative, flexible and a reliable teammate.”

Merton also surprised the crowd with news that she will be returning to Samsung Austin Semiconductor in summer 2027 as an entry-level engineer with our Samsung Emerging Engineer Development program.

In closing, Merton reminded everyone that she is living proof the dreams can come true.

“No matter your background, there is opportunity for you.”