National Institute of Standards and Technology | U.S. Department of Commerce 1

Building the U.S. Semiconductor Workforce

CHIPS for America Workforce Update

November 15, 2023
National Institute of Standards and Technology | U.S. Department of Commerce 2

CHIPS for America Programs

$39 billion

for manufacturing

Components:

1. Attract large-scale 

investments in advanced

technologies such as 

leading-edge logic and 

memory

2. Incentivize expansion 

of manufacturing capacity 

for mature and other types 

of semiconductors

$11 billion

for R&D

• National Semiconductor 

Technology Center

• National Advanced Packaging 

Manufacturing Program

• Manufacturing USA institute(s)

• National Institute of Standards 

and Technology measurement 

science

Together with 

CHIPS 

initiatives from 

other agencies, 

including DOD, 

State, NSF, 

and Treasury

Workforce development
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CHIPS Workforce Call to Action

OVER THE NEXT DECADE...

Double the U.S. semiconductor workforce overall.

Triple the number of graduates in semiconductor-related fields, including 

engineering.

Train 100,000 new technicians through apprenticeships, career and technical 

education, and career pathway programs. 

Expand recruitment for more people from underserved communities – including 

women and veterans – to launch semiconductor industry careers.

Hire and train an additional million women in construction to meet the demand 

across a range of industries, including CHIPS projects.
National Institute of Standards and Technology | U.S. Department of Commerce 4

At least seven states have dedicated new funding to support workforce training for 

semiconductor jobs.

Over 50 community colleges across 19 states have announced new or expanded 

programming to support semiconductor opportunities.

Semiconductor companies partnering with labor unions to recruit, train and retain a skilled 

construction workforce, including several that committed to Project Labor Agreements.

CHIPS for America has engaged directly with education and training partners in over 25 

states—including hosting in-person workforce roundtables and listening tour sessions.

NSTC Vision and Strategy Paper named workforce development as one of NSTC’s Top 

Three priorities

Key Workforce Milestones to date

SINCE THE PASSAGE OF THE CHIPS AND SCIENCE ACT...
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2023 Workforce Development Progress

U.S. Department 

of Commerce 

Workforce 

Development 

Strategy Workforce Development 

Planning Guide

CHIPS for America NSTC 

Vision & Strategy Paper

Industrial 

Advisory 

Committee R&D 

Workforce 

Working Group

CHIPS for 

America 

Teaming 

Partner List
National Institute of Standards and Technology | U.S. Department of Commerce 6

Most CHIPS incentives awards for construction, modernization or expansion of 

manufacturing facilities will include dedicated funds for workforce development. 

Public and private workforce investments in CHIPS-funded facilities expected to 

exceed $500 million, based on commitments and industry benchmarks. 

Workforce data collection will be embedded in awards to support long-term efforts

CHIPS for America expects new commitments to Registered Apprenticeships and preapprenticeships as a result of CHIPS awards. 

CHIPS for America staff expect to work closely with incentives recipients and regional 

education and training partners to support implementation of workforce strategies.

Key Incentives Program Workforce Updates
National Institute of Standards and Technology | U.S. Department of Commerce 7

Convene industry, research, education, government and labor stakeholders

Collect data to measure the success of existing programs and guide future investment

Scale up proven programs

Pilot new efforts, including initiatives to engage underserved communities

NSTC Workforce Center(s) of Excellence Concepts

FOUR KEY ROLES: