Liam Levinson, a 28-year-old with a background in the restaurant industry, sought a new career path after reading about the potential surge in semiconductor jobs in Arizona. He enrolled in a 10-day boot camp at Chandler Gilbert Community College in Mesa, Ariz., a program designed to rapidly train entry-level semiconductor technicians. This initiative is part of a nationwide trend, with over 50 community college programs emerging in response to the semiconductor industry's expansion following the enactment of the CHIPS and Science Act by President Biden.
The Act, which aims to significantly increase U.S. production of semiconductor chips, allocates $52.7 billion for investment in semiconductor plants. The first deployment of funds involved a $35 million investment in defense contractor BAE Systems Inc. for the expansion of a semiconductor plant in Nashua, N.H.
To meet the anticipated demand for skilled workers, the U.S. needs to train an estimated 90,000 to 100,000 additional semiconductor technicians and triple the number of engineering graduates by 2030. However, there are concerns about a potential engineering shortage, reaching as high as 300,000 by the end of the decade according to a report by consulting firm McKinsey & Co.
During the boot camp, Levinson and other students were introduced to the practical aspects of semiconductor technician work, including handling equipment in clean-room environments. This program, developed in collaboration with Intel, has already seen approximately 770 graduates, with some, like Perla Lugo, successfully securing positions at semiconductor companies such as Intel.
Recognizing the critical need for a skilled workforce, the Biden administration is collaborating with the industry to address this gap. Initiatives include a $45 million investment by the National Science Foundation for semiconductor research and education projects, as well as the establishment of workforce hubs in multiple states to identify and support training programs.
Despite these efforts, the industry remains concerned about the timelines for hiring and training new employees. Some executives worry about the ability to find enough skilled workers, with particular emphasis on the shortage of highly skilled engineers. This concern is compounded by challenges in attracting students to pursue engineering degrees, as the semiconductor industry competes with other sectors for talent.
In response to these challenges, universities such as Purdue have launched specialized semiconductor degree programs to attract new engineers to the field. However, obstacles such as U.S. immigration laws also affect the ability of international students, like Humbert Lai, to pursue careers in semiconductor engineering upon graduation. Addressing the shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor industry requires a concerted effort from the government, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders.
