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May 3, 2023

SEMI Foundation Launches Workforce Development Menu to Support CHIPS Act Funding Applications

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in late March published the 97-page Workforce Development Planning Guide to help companies interested in applying for a slice of the approximately $50 billion in funding available under the CHIPS Act. The guide is a roadmap to assist companies in developing plans to grow their staffs. NIST requires comprehensive workforce development plans that outline partnerships, equity strategies, demonstrated commitments to Good Jobs Principles, support services for training participants, metrics and milestones, and – probably most controversially – plans for providing childcare in all applications valued at $150 million and above.

The guide includes proven strategies that can help companies not just attract, train, retain, and advance a larger and more diverse workforce, but also strengthen the industry. The strategies encourage more inclusive work environments and support the microelectronics industry as a whole by strengthening workforce networks and career pathways.

ImageWe applaud NIST for making workforce development and diversifying talent pipelines such important components of CHIPS funding applications.

At the same time, we recognize how daunting CHIPS Act applications might seem to our member companies since the workforce development requirements apply to small and large companies alike. Of the 85% of SEMI members that are small and midsize businesses, many might not have robust internal training programs and some of their talent development programs might need significant updating. What’s more, some companies may not be familiar with terms like Good Jobs Principles, or wrap-around support services for trainees.

To help companies create their workforce development plans as part of their CHIPS Act funding applications, we created the SEMI Foundation Workforce Development and DEI Menu of Services – packages of workforce development programs currently offered by the SEMI Foundation. Companies can take advantage of the programs to help shape their CHIPS Act workforce development plans and meet the application requirements. We can also provide companies with contract support for developing preapplications and full applications.

The services can help individual companies and industry coalitions take advantage of SEMI Foundation programs and other resources to create workforce development solutions that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. The programs are designed to complement and bolster our member companies’ current talent development efforts.

ImageAs a global nonprofit, the SEMI Foundation facilitates relationships, builds networks, and drives consensus among semiconductor companies, academic institutions, workforce boards and community-based organizations. The Foundation is what NIST considers a backbone organization that enables these sectoral partnerships by serving as an “intermediary that convenes and coordinates between parties, serving as a liaison between businesses and the full range of partners.”

The SEMI Foundation can support members’ CHIPS Act applications as a backbone organization – creating, supporting, and overseeing sectoral partnerships vital to successful workforce development efforts.

Following is a sample of SEMI Foundation programs included in our menu of services to support CHIPS Act workforce development plans.

  • High Tech U in the Classroom, our K-12 outreach program that introduces students to the microelectronics industry and its crucial role in the modern world.
  • SEMI VetWorks helps companies connect with and recruit highly skilled soldiers transitioning from military to civilian careers.
  • The SEMI Career and Apprenticeship Network (SCAN) helps companies build customized trainings for incoming and incumbent workforces, ranging from boot camps to registered apprenticeships.
  • Career portal where students can match their passions and interests to jobs.
     
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The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that an additional 90,000 manufacturing workers will be needed in the semiconductor industry by the end of the decade. The SEMI Foundation is dedicated to helping our member companies grow and diversify their workforces while supporting their applications for CHIPS Act funding.

For help with your company workforce efforts, we invite you to get in touch with us by contacting Shari Liss at sliss@semi.org.

Shari Liss is executive director of the SEMI Foundation.

Michelle Williams-Vaden is deputy director of the SEMI Foundation.