FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TPIC MEMBERSHIP

More FAQs are being completed, so expect this list to increase quickly. Your input is welcome since these FAQs come directly from individuals like you. As always, you are welcome to contact us. Thanks.

Does TPIC provide classes and online learning for technicians and fab operators?

No. TPIC provides networking, guidelines, workshops, tools and solutions for learning & development specialists such as technical instructors, training managers, documentation specialists, content developers, LMS managers, instructional designers and their directors. However, TPIC may occasionally contract with a company to provide process classes or industry overviews for technicians and other personnel.

Does TPIC offer group coverage rates for Medical Health Insurance?

Yes. TPIC Individual Base Members are automatically eligible for discounted medical insurance coverage with Assurant Health. As part of the TPIC and ASTD Enterprise Partnership, this quality care package offers several different menus that can provide for most individuals. Upon completion of your TPIC Individual Base Membership enrollment, you are instantly able to sign up for coverage. The determination of qualification -- and rates -- for coverage is entirely made by Assurant Health.

• Here's an example of this benefit: TPIC Program Director Carl Gonzales was already covered by Assurant Health when this group coverage became available. Although he was satisfied with his existing Assurant Health individual policy that also included family coverage, Carl contacted Assurant Health just to examine what might be available under the new group coverage. He was immediately informed that he could get the exact same policy under the group coverage for less than half of what he was paying individually. His policy was immediately brought into the group coverage, and he instantly began saving over $160 per month.

Is TPIC for semiconductor companies only?

No. Although TPIC originated as an organization consisting only of semiconductor manufacturers and their suppliers, it has expanded its charter over the last few years to include industries such as aviation, medical equipment, auto manufacturing, and any other enterprises involved with advanced technology education.

Do I have to go to the TPIC offices to participate in the workshops, activities, etc.?

No. Currently, TPIC operates without office space. The TPIC Program Director facilitates events, workshops, discussions and other activities either online, or at member company sites, or co-located with other conferences and events.

Does TPIC publish semiconductor industry standards?

No. TPIC publishes guidelines such as "Performance Based Equipment Training," "Instructor-Led Technician Training Guidelines" and "Blended Learning Methodologies Guidelines" along with task force deliverables such as vendor scorecards, dictionaries, surveys and best practices. However, TPIC is officially sanctioned by SEMI Standards to provide leadership for its North American Metrics Committee Equipment Training Task Force which proposes, develops and delivers global semiconductor industry standards that are published by SEMI. Such proposals include "Equipment Training Best Practices" and "Simplified Technical English."

Is my company able to treat the TPIC Membership Fee as a tax deduction?

Yes. The annual fee for TPIC Participating Membership can be treated as a business expense by your company. However, TPIC is not a 510(c)3 charitable organization and so the funds spent on TPIC cannot be treated as a charitable contribution. You are encouraged to contact your corporate finance officer or accountant to determine the proper application of TPIC fees to your tax filing.

So what exactly do we get for our money when we join TPIC?

Plenty. TPIC core value is usually found in three arenas: 1) networking, benchmarking, facilitation and cross-industry interface; 2) access to, and development of standards, guidelines, best practices, workshops and task forces; and 3) significant discounts from vendors, conferences, workshops and publishers. Depending on what your needs are and how much participation you are also prepared to invest, you can reap considerable, quantifiable deliverables. Upon joining, you will be encouraged to meet with the TPIC Program Director to establish mutually agreed upon goals and accompanying metrics for realizing a completely satisfactory return on your investment. The population of TPIC companies and participants offers a variety of opportunities, and that makes it somewhat challenging to say "exactly" what you or your company will get for your money when you join TPIC.

Who should participate in TPIC?

-- Learning & Development Managers/Supervisors
-- Technical Trainers
-- Technical Training Managers/Supervisors
-- Equipment Engineers
-- Learning & Development Specialists
-- Process Engineers
-- Maintenance Managers
-- Multimedia/Electronic Documentation Specialists
-- Technical Publications Managers
-- Technical Writers/Course Developers
-- Equipment and Process Technicians
-- Instructional Designers
-- Human Resources Personnel
-- Faculty, Staff and Administrators of College Technical Programs

What companies are included among TPIC participants?

To name a few:
-- AMD
-- APTECH International
-- Cymer
-- EdwardJones
-- General Physics
-- Intel
-- KLA-Tencor
-- Lam Research
-- Microsoft
-- Nikon Precision
-- Semitool
-- Solid Performance Solutions
-- Spansion
-- Tedopres International
-- TEEX - Texas Engineering Extension Service
-- Tokyo Electron America
-- Varian Semiconductor Equipment
-- Veeco

My company is a member of SEMI. Does that mean we're a member of TPIC also?

No.

My company is a member of International SEMATECH. Does that mean we're a member of TPIC also?

No.

I'm already a member of ASTD. Does that mean I'm a TPIC Individual member?

Almost. Without incurring any additional cost whatsoever, just contact your ASTD membership representative (Elizabeth Harding at 703-683-9592) and request that your membership be placed into the TPIC Enterprise Partnership. Then you will automatically be a TPIC Individual member. Usually, ASTD will refund you the difference of your regular membership fee and the discounted TPIC Partnership membership fee.

As always, you are welcome to contact us. Thanks.