As first published by Training Industry.
As the world becomes more reliant on digital technologies, demand for semiconductor chips is skyrocketing. Semiconductors power nearly all electronic devices in existence, and the industry is well on track to reach its goal of $1 trillion in global revenue by 2030.
Much of the industry’s growth is driven by demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and consumer electronics, but meeting this demand comes with significant challenges. The industry must innovate faster than ever and needs to increase investments in chip production. To create a more resilient supply chain, several efforts are being made in the U.S. to reshore domestic manufacturing, with global leaders like Intel, Amkor, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) investing heavily in new facilities.
As American chip production rapidly expands, the industry faces a shortage of qualified technicians to work in upcoming fabs. On average, around 1,500 new technicians join the field each year — a rate far below the 75,000 new technicians needed by 2029. This issue is further compounded by an aging workforce, as around one-third of technicians are 55 or older.
To address workforce concerns, the SEMI Foundation developed a comprehensive approach that tackles the immediate need for skilled technicians while building a sustainable talent pipeline for the future. The SEMI Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that includes more than a dozen workforce development initiatives grounded in the semiconductor industry.
BOOSTING SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY AWARENESS
Although employment opportunities in semiconductor manufacturing are abundant, many students and jobseekers are unaware of careers in the field. To tackle the awareness gap, the SEMI Foundation developed targeted initiatives that encompass a student’s entire career journey, starting with K-12 education.
In a perfect world, industry awareness begins as early as possible. By helping students spark interest in semiconductors at a younger age, they may be more likely to pursue full-time STEM careers later on. To inspire students to consider STEM, the SEMI Foundation partners with local K-12 schools to incorporate semiconductor-specific education within existing STEM programs. This supplemental learning includes hands-on activities that teach the basics of microelectronics.
Through its SEMI High Tech U (HTU) program, the SEMI Foundation provides Micro:bit kits that help students understand the relationship between software and hardware, as well as CircuitScribe kits that teach the essentials of circuitry. A longitudinal study of SEMI HTU demonstrated the program’s effectiveness, with 78% of participants going on to complete college STEM degrees.
Beyond hands-on exposure to electronics, bringing industry professionals to both K-12 schools and universities is another way the SEMI Foundation is addressing industry awareness. Through “day-in-the-life” sessions, videos, mentoring and web content, students can better understand what a similar career could look like for them. This approach is particularly beneficial for semiconductor manufacturing, as cleanrooms are unique work environments. Direct learning can expose students to what it’s like to wear a bunny suit, what it takes to handle delicate semiconductor chips, and other considerations that don’t apply to traditional workplaces.
TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIP MODELS IN ARIZONA AND CALIFORNIA
Apart from industry awareness, companies also struggle to find technicians who are qualified to work right away. To solve this problem, strong apprenticeship programs are crucial. Although apprenticeships are still sparse in the private sector, the SEMI Foundation is working to change that. By streamlining and formalizing the education-to-career pipeline, companies will be able to fill positions with qualified candidates more efficiently.
Many semiconductor companies are currently using staffing agencies for open technician roles, which can yield mixed results. To help decrease reliance on temporary talent and to provide relevant training to up-and-coming technicians, the SEMI Foundation partnered with the Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona’s Maricopa Community College (MCC) system, Intel, and other major employers to create SEMI Arizona’s Registered Technician Apprenticeship program. With Arizona making significant investments in chip production, TSMC recently allocated $5 million to form the program. In partnership with local governments and Arizona colleges, the Registered Technician Apprenticeship program offers career training for four types of semiconductor technicians, with completion time averaging between 18 and 24 months. By starting with company support, apprenticeship programs can more accurately develop training curriculum around the company’s specific needs.
In late 2024, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced the Future48 Workforce Accelerator to provide additional training for Arizona’s growing semiconductor industry. Future48 is an upcoming semiconductor training facility at Phoenix’s GateWay Community College that will include state-of-the art manufacturing equipment, with the goal of offering hands-on training while connecting students to well-paying jobs in the industry.
First California Apprenticeship Graduation at Foothill College’s Sunnyvale campus (December 2024)
California is also investing in apprenticeship programs through its California Apprenticeship Initiative (CAI). Through this grant, the SEMI Foundation helped Foothill College, a community college in Los Altos Hills, launch the state’s first-ever registered semiconductor industry apprenticeship for technicians. Nokia, Applied Materials, and Western Digital have all graduated 2 cohorts of trainees in this apprenticeship program.
Semiconductor Skills Bridge Academy Cohort at Ohlone College in Fremont, Calif.
In addition, California is funding the SEMI Foundation through the High Road Training Partnership grant, which dedicates $4.6 million over two years to help grow the state’s semiconductor talent pipeline. This grant is allowing the SEMI Foundation to work with leading semiconductor companies to better understand the technical, soft skills, and upskilling opportunities needed for career success. This compliments the Foundation’s support from the James Irvine Foundation, which provides $1.7 million over three years to support the SEMI Foundation in becoming an intermediary for semiconductor-industry apprenticeships.
Because apprentices get paid from the start of their training, these programs offer an equitable opportunity for more people to access a sustainable career. As companies increase their U.S. manufacturing presence, the entry-level roles that were once offshored are now a pathway for up-and-coming domestic talent.
These apprenticeships and grants offer a glimpse into the workforce development efforts underway in Arizona and California. With both states rapidly growing their manufacturing sectors, recruiting and training skilled technicians becomes increasingly critical.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
As the U.S. reshores its semiconductor manufacturing industry, the SEMI Foundation unites students, educators, industry, governments, and organizations to create a sustainable talent pipeline. Through these collective efforts, the U.S. is in a stronger position to remain competitive as global demand for AI and consumer electronics continues to rise. By prioritizing awareness and apprenticeship efforts, the semiconductor industry can provide accessible entry-level careers open to all that offer upward mobility without needing a four-year degree.