Introduction: The semiconductor Industry is continuing to see unprecedented growth continuing through the rest of this decade driving more construction of new facilities with the CHiPS Act and reshoring of production facility in many areas of the semiconductor ecosystem and supply chain. This growth translates into requiring more talent in the workforce pool in Construction as well as the manufacturing facilities and tech.
2. Problem Statement/Opportunity: Construction in particular is facing significant challenges in developing available workforce across all industry segments. Investments, funding, or incentives are more limited when it comes to enabling the development of new school or institutional programs for workforce development initiatives or marketing such initiatives in the construction industry. Opportunity for universities/colleges to work in close partnership with industry companies such as Sundt to provide a meaningful outcome for both semiconductor and construction.
3. Solutions/Insights: The question is are we training people to step in and be effective in semiconductor facility construction versus more general construction? Solving the disconnects between education and construction suppliers for the semi industry involves a close partnership where listening and flexibility are both important in developing a curriculum that aligns with current semiconductor construction demands and means and methods that are key to delivering on successful project execution. Through advocacy by owners and contractors with local governments, we can create greater awareness of the project demands and needs for workforce talent, thus driving improvement in funding appropriation that then increases the ability to build programs at all education levels; High School, Community Colleges and Universities. This workforce ""circular economy"" that connects all key parties when done effectively ultimately impacts the ability to deliver on the increased semiconductor project demands with a more effective and available talent pipeline.
4. Takeaways & Audience Benefit: -Semiconductor construction is a national priority and has a unique and urgent workforce need. This results in a critical skills gap in the construction workforce when compounded with the demands of specialized knowledge that is required building semiconductor facilities and systems. Skilled trades must be trained in cleanroom environments, high purity, and more specialized safety systems. - Without strategic workforce development, fab construction timelines and quality are at risk to meeting these demands. Partnerships are the path forward where collaboration among contractors, educators, union, government, and industry is essential. Successful collaborative models integrate apprenticeships, on-time training, and upskilling for existing trades. Investing in the construction workforce with strategic workforce planning now= investing in the long-term competitiveness of the semiconductor industry and others and enables regional economic growth, and national supply chain resilience. "
