Phoenix recently became a focal point in the semiconductor industry’s future, hosting an event by the National Institute for Innovation and Technology alongside the Semiconductor Industry Association. This gathering underscored Arizona’s vital role in the industry and celebrated the launch of the state’s first semiconductor technician registered apprenticeship program. Highlighting a concerning forecast from a study by SIA and Oxford Economics, the event drew attention to an anticipated shortage of 67,000 technicians, computer scientists and engineers in the semiconductor sector by 2030, alongside a broader gap of 1.4 million tech workers in the U.S. economy. This shortage presents a significant challenge, with the industry’s growth and innovation hanging in the balance unless the STEM worker pipeline is expanded.
The event offered more than discussions, serving as a platform for government, industry and education leaders to explore talent development strategies. Focused on registered apprenticeships tailored for the semiconductor industry, it aims to expand the workforce pipeline, targeting non-traditional tech workers. The U.S. Department of Labor-supported Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing Technology Apprenticeship Program is central to these efforts, providing a detailed guide to cultivating a skilled workforce.
The City of Phoenix emerged as a trailblazer by distinguishing itself on the national stage, receiving a special award for becoming the first municipality in the country to sponsor a group program for semiconductor-registered apprenticeships. Mayor Kate Gallego accepted the award and expressed her pride in the city’s achievements. She said, “Semiconductors are a huge part of the future of Phoenix, and we want to create great jobs for our residents. Apprenticeship is such an important tool for doing it, and we’re proud to have made history. We’re not done making history, so we hope from here to continue to grow the program and just look ahead to the future.”
Arizona’s initiatives have set the groundwork for a future where talent meets opportunity, ensuring the semiconductor industry’s vibrancy and resilience by harnessing the power of collaboration and innovation.
