Semiconductors are crucial for advancing electronic devices, driving progress in communications, computing, healthcare, military systems, transportation, clean energy, and more.
The United States has experienced a decline in semiconductor chip production over decades, leading to domestic supply shortages for the companies that require chips for products we use every day. To address this, the U.S. government is undertaking unprecedented federal investments aimed at doubling our manufacturing capacity.
Through these strategic investments in innovation, facilities, and training & education, Penn College is poised to significantly ramp up U.S. production. These efforts will help meet current demands and position the U.S. as a global leader in semiconductor chip manufacturing.
The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 is supercharging ecosystems of innovation for technologies essential to economic and national security. U.S. chip production is expected to double with approximately 230,000 new workers needed in the semiconductor space. These new roles require skills in emerging technologies like robotics, automation, and digitalization. The “earn and learn” model of apprenticeship will be essential to upskilling the workforce to meet the quickly growing demand of the semiconductor sector.
A $4 million MIDAS+ grant award, funded through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Building America initiative, will launch Penn College as one of the key providers of needed training programs, starting with a semiconductor technician apprenticeship with an anticipated start date of July 2025. Employers locally, across Pennsylvania and the U.S. can enroll apprentices in the Semiconductor Technician program, or any of the other seven registered Advanced Manufacturing apprenticeships offered by the College.
MIDAS+ will also expand the College’s registered pre-apprenticeship programs for high school students, WIOA youth, and re-entry populations. We’ll grow existing and new programs, and partner with local organizations to remediate barriers preventing individuals from successfully entering a family-sustaining wage occupation.
Penn College will increase the pipeline of skilled in Advanced Manufacturing and the semiconductor industry through ensuring that pre-apprentices become employed in apprenticed occupations and continuing to upskill and reskill the current workforce.
A number of our academic degree programs align with the technical skillsets necessary to make an impact in the growing semiconductor industry.
Penn College sponsors a number apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing, which are directly connected to the semiconductor industry.
Interested in learning how we can help upskill your workforce to support the semiconductor resurgence?