Workforce Development for the Semiconductor Industry - A Perspective

Preparing a sustainable workforce pipeline to meet the growing need of the semiconductor industry is a daunting task. Although the need is recognized and an attempt is made to address it in the CHIPS Act, several things will need to happen to be successful in competing against well-established ecosystems in countries such as Taiwan. First, the federal and local government, industries, and educational institutions must work in together to address the workforce development issue. Second, US universities will need to modernize their curriculum and emphasize hands-on training in addition to providing theoretical knowledge. Third, interest in STEM disciplines and awareness of the opportunity in semiconductor industry should be built into K–12 education. Finally, inclusivity of underrepresented students in the workforce pipeline may require building fabs and curricula at predominantly minority-serving institutions. © The Electrochemical Society.