The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosted a roundtable discussion on the importance of STEM education and workforce development in the semiconductor industry. The discussion focused on the CHIPS for America Act, which aims to maintain and build U.S. leadership in semiconductor technologies.
Key points from the discussion:
1. Workforce development is a top priority for the CHIPS for America program, with a focus on attracting, retaining, and upskilling workers in the semiconductor supply chain.
2. The program requires applicants to submit long-term workforce development strategies, aligning with a vision for thriving regional clusters and improving regional economic resilience.
3. Since the passage of the CHIPS Act in August 2022, at least 50 community colleges across 17 states have announced new or expanded programming to support opportunities in the semiconductor industry.
4. U.S. students are demonstrating increasing interest in semiconductor roles, with a 79% increase in student applications to full-time jobs posted by semiconductor companies in 2022-2023, compared to just 19% for other industries.
5. The CHIPS R&D Office recently announced the formation of a selection committee for the National Semiconductor Technology Center, which will be discussed in more detail by Lora Weiss.
Keywords: CHIPS Act, Training programs, Workforce development
