The Department of Commerce recently released a brief on progress in implementing the CHIPS and Science Act. This legislation, signed into law by President Biden in August of 2022, aims to support domestic manufacturing and research within the semiconductor industry.
The brief builds on the Administration’s vision for CHIPS, which includes doubling the semiconductor workforce, tripling the number of graduates in semiconductor-related fields, training 100,000 new technicians, and launching semiconductor industry careers for underserved or underrepresented populations.
To achieve this vision, CHIPS for America, which encompasses two federal offices responsible for implementing the law, has partnered with industry leaders, education providers, and labor unions to engage in key strategies:
- Catalyzing employer investment in the workforce
- Encouraging high-quality jobs
- Promoting state and local participation
- Engaging community organizations, labor unions, industry and academia
- Leveraging research and development investments for workforce needs
- Expanding the workforce pipeline
Through these strategies, CHIPS for America expects total public and private workforce investments for CHIPS-funded facilities to surpass $500 million. Additionally, since the signing of the legislation, over 50 community colleges across 19 states have announced new or expanded semiconductor programming and 7 states have dedicated new funding to support semiconductor workforce training.
The brief also emphasized a commitment to a research and development approach for determining the most effective training models. The National Semiconductor Technology Center, composed of stakeholders ranging from industry leaders to educational leaders, would facilitate this approach through a variety of research initiatives.
To continue defining and pursuing its goals within the coming year, CHIPS for America will conduct community forums starting this month to gather constructive input. Be on the lookout for more information and opportunities to collaborate on these initiatives in your communities.
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