To drive semiconductor innovation and U.S. economic competitiveness, America needs to adopt and update policies to educate, attract, and retain the top engineering, scientific, and technical talent in the world and train a skilled workforce for the U.S. semiconductor industry and other strategic technology sectors. From manufacturing technicians with a short-term certificate to chip design engineers with advanced degrees, a growing semiconductor talent pipeline provides career opportunities for all Americans.
Official Comments and Letters >
The competitive position of the U.S. semiconductor industry, as well as other critical and emerging technology industries of strategic importance, depends on an American workforce that is the best educated and trained in the world. Unfortunately, the industry’s need for a skilled workforce greatly exceeds the available talent developed through our U.S. education system and existing training programs. At current rates, the U.S. will not keep up with demand for skilled workers in the semiconductor industry — including for the construction of new fabs — and among all critical technology sectors.
Addressing this shortfall requires a comprehensive approach. More must be done to encourage U.S. students to: 1) pursue education and training in critical areas for the industry; 2) engage in semiconductor-related research and pursue advanced degrees in larger numbers; and 3) choose the semiconductor industry over other competing technology fields. The U.S. must also improve access to international students at U.S. universities, where foreign nationals currently comprise approximately 60% of advanced degree STEM graduates in key areas for the industry. Unfortunately, current U.S. immigration policies create obstacles for these highly educated foreign students to stay in this country over the long term, where they could contribute to economic growth and discoveries that support U.S. competitiveness and technology leadership.
