The Biden administration is taking action to address the looming labor shortage in the semiconductor industry by allocating funding towards training and supporting workers. With the goal of positioning the US as a leading chipmaker, the administration is investing in the CHIPS Act and Science Act initiatives.
A new program called the Workforce Partner Alliance (WFPA) will be established using the CHIPS Act’s initial round of funding, focusing on closing workforce and skills gaps for researchers, engineers, and technicians in semiconductor design, manufacturing, and production. The industry is projected to face a technician shortage of up to 90,000 by 2030, highlighting the urgency of training skilled workers.
To combat this shortage, workforce solution providers are encouraged to submit high-impact project proposals to the WFPA. These projects should aim to train workers within two years with budgets ranging from $500,000 to $2 million per award. Strategies such as apprenticeship programs, relevant degree offerings, on-the-job training, and experiential learning opportunities are recommended for consideration.
The deadline to apply for funding is July 26, giving interested parties less than a month to prepare their proposals. Eligible applicants must have a presence in the US and can include for-profit organizations, educational institutions, training programs, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Natcast will oversee the program and manage the selection process for the four to ten projects that will be chosen.
Deirdre Hanford, CEO of Natcast, emphasized the importance of the WFPA in addressing the semiconductor industry’s challenges and advancing its growth in the US. Michael Barnes, senior manager of Natcast’s workforce development programs, highlighted the need to develop a skilled domestic semiconductor workforce to support industry growth and strengthen national security and economic competitiveness.
As the semiconductor industry continues to expand, investing in workforce development is crucial to ensuring a sustainable supply of skilled workers. The WFPA program aims to bridge the skills gap and provide opportunities for individuals to secure well-paying jobs in a vital industry. By supporting workforce training and development, the US can solidify its position as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation.
