CHIPS Act Drives Semiconductor Workforce Development Initiatives
Understanding the Impact of the CHIPS Act on Workforce Training
The CHIPS Act has ignited a movement to train tens of thousands of new workers for the semiconductor industry. Authorized by President Joe Biden, the act allocates nearly $53 billion to rejuvenate the U.S. semiconductor sector, which has experienced a significant decline in its workforce.
Innovative Training Programs for Future Semiconductor Careers
One notable initiative is Purdue University's Summer Training on Awareness and Readiness for Semiconductors (STARS) program. This program trains students like Robert Zhang, an undergraduate who gained crucial hands-on experience in chip manufacturing techniques, from clean room operations to chip packaging.
- Training initiatives aim to prepare undergraduates for careers in the semiconductor industry.
- Insights from industry leaders indicate that universities must triple graduation rates in semiconductor-related fields.
- According to researchers from McKinsey & Co., the U.S. will face a shortage of 59,000 semiconductor workers by 2029.
Industry Collaborations Needed to Bridge the Skills Gap
- Industry sponsorship is vital for funding training programs.
- Establishing partnerships between educational institutions and businesses is essential.
- Engaging prospective workers early by offering practical experiences can help address future staffing shortages.
Bill Wiseman, a senior partner at McKinsey, stresses the importance of concerted efforts from universities, governments, and the private sector to build a competent workforce that meets the demands of the growing semiconductor industry.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.