A new partnership between The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Community College District, and Texas Institute for Electronics (TIE) aims to establish Central Texas as a key hub for comprehensive workforce development to support the growing needs of the semiconductor industry in the United States. This collaborative program will provide a centralized resource for the industry, offering seamless education pathways between UT and ACC to cater to all skill levels within the semiconductor workforce, from equipment technicians to semiconductor engineers.
Key initiatives under this partnership include:
- Development of a joint Semiconductor Training Center (STC) to provide hands-on technical training and academic theory for students at UT, ACC, and beyond. The STC will also offer programs to transition existing workers into the semiconductor industry and enhance the careers of current employees.
- Creation of Semiconductor Curriculum & Credentialing, where faculty from both institutions and industry experts will collaborate to design skill-based microcredentials and educational activities. Plans include developing partnerships with K-12 educational programs.
The joint effort aims to address the increasing demand for skilled semiconductor workers to support the anticipated addition of 115,000 new semiconductor jobs to the U.S. economy by 2030. A report by the Semiconductor Industry Association and Oxford Economics highlights that 67,000 of these new jobs may go unfilled due to workforce shortages and insufficient training programs.
UT and ACC, with support from TIE, are leveraging their expertise and resources to train a highly skilled semiconductor workforce. The partnership will not only enhance the local economy but also contribute to the global competitiveness of the U.S. semiconductor industry. The initiative aligns with the rapid growth of the semiconductor sector in Texas, particularly in Central Texas, driven by the presence of industry leaders like Samsung Austin Semiconductor, Applied Materials, NXP Semiconductors, Tokyo Electron, and Tesla.
This collaboration will receive initial funding of $3.75 million from TIE to establish the STC and provide research opportunities for students and educators at cutting-edge chip fabrication facilities. By leveraging the facilities of industry partners, the program aims to scale its impact nationwide and drive sustainable workforce development in the semiconductor industry.
The involvement of TIE, combined with the commitment of UT and ACC, signifies a concerted effort to nurture talent and solidify America's semiconductor industry leadership. Through innovative programs like the STC, students will have access to top-tier research universities and advanced training facilities, setting a new standard for workforce development in the semiconductor sector. The combined strengths and resources of all partners will create a robust regional ecosystem to meet industry demands and secure long-term success.
UT and ACC are spearheading the effort to train a skilled semiconductor workforce, with UT introducing a new Master of Science in Engineering program focusing on semiconductor science and engineering, while ACC has launched the Semiconductor Technician Advanced Rapid Start (STARS) curriculum to upskill incumbent workers for manufacturing technician roles. These efforts, alongside industry partnerships, demonstrate a shared commitment to workforce development and economic prosperity in Central Texas.
The initial training programs from the STC are expected to commence as early as January 2025, marking a significant step in developing a highly skilled semiconductor workforce to meet the industry's evolving needs.
