The federal government is making significant investments in the United States’ semiconductor chip production capabilities, aiming to reduce dependency on other countries for this critical technology. The CHIPS and Science Act has set a goal for the US to produce 20% of the world’s most advanced chips by 2030, and companies like Intel are key players in achieving this objective.
Intel has received $8.5 billion from the Commerce Department to enhance semiconductor manufacturing capacity, an investment expected to create 10,000 new jobs across the country. The company is also investing $100 billion of its own funds to expand chip manufacturing facilities in Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, and Ohio. Part of the federal grant will go towards constructing new facilities in Chandler, Arizona, and New Albany, Ohio.
With the success of these semiconductor manufacturing plants crucial for the country’s technological advancement, Intel is focused on building a skilled workforce to meet industry demands. The company is partnering with post-secondary education programs to train individuals for technical positions in manufacturing, quality control, and engineering. Intel has awarded grants to educational institutions in Ohio and Arizona to prepare students for semiconductor roles, including technician certification programs.
The semiconductor industry faces a significant talent shortage, with experts estimating a need for over one million skilled workers by 2030. To address this challenge, companies like Intel are adopting non-traditional vocational technical approaches, collaborating with community colleges and technical education programs to train workers for semiconductor roles. These initiatives are essential for the industry to meet its growth aspirations and remain competitive on a global scale.
Intel’s investment in semiconductor manufacturing is not only about reclaiming market dominance but also about revitalizing educational and workforce infrastructure that has weakened over the years. By building a skilled workforce and strengthening the industry’s foundations, Intel aims to restore America’s leadership in semiconductor technology.
Overall, the efforts by Intel and other companies in the semiconductor industry reflect a strategic shift towards investing in workforce development and infrastructure to meet growing demand and advance technological innovation. The push to catch up on lost ground in semiconductor manufacturing represents a critical step towards securing America’s position in the global semiconductor market.
Article Source
https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2024/06/24/how-intel-is-planning-to-use-federal-funding-to-rebuild-talent-pipelines-for-semiconductor-manufacturing
