NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence

Fueled by increased demand and substantial investments, the U.S. semiconductor industry is on a path of rapid expansion. As a result, domestic demand for semiconductor talent is projected to dramatically outpace the available supply by the end of the decade. Estimates indicate demand for an additional 238,000 semiconductor workers by 2030 across manufacturing and design.¹

The NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence (WCoE), supported by a $250 million investment from the U.S. Department of Commerce, brings together stakeholders from across the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem to better understand the nature of, and find solutions to, the workforce challenges facing the industry by:

• Unlocking actionable insights into the current state of the semiconductor workforce, monitoring emerging employer needs, keeping industry informed, and identifying best practices.

• Increasing access to effective, employer-driven workforce solutions through partnerships, funding, recognition, and access to shared resources.
• Providing expertise and custom services to stakeholders to support the improvement of regional workforce development ecosystems.
• Facilitating the exchange of workforce development ideas, insights, tools, and resources among stakeholders in the semiconductor community.

From technicians to engineers to researchers, the WCoE will enable training for and support tens of thousands of individuals across the country in roles activating the semiconductor ecosystem. It will also build a network of institutional partners to support regional work as well as create a national community of semiconductor workforce stakeholders.

Our Programs

In service of these objectives, there will be three inaugural programs within the WCoE, each aimed at reshaping the workforce development ecosystem:

1. The Amplifier Program focuses on scaling efficient, equitable, and industry-driven workforce development practices. It will provide funding, foster partnerships, and recognize best practices in workforce retention, training, and education.
2. The Signals Program leverages data and research to monitor workforce trends and evaluate program progress and outcomes. It aims to create a comprehensive understanding of the talent landscape, including supply and demand, while developing actionable insights.
3. The Connections Program facilitates member services, tailored events, and hands-on assistance to meet the specific needs of NSTC member organizations, helping them to build the U.S. semiconductor workforce of the future.

Workforce Advisory Board (WFAB)

The WCoE’s programs are guided by real-time insights from stakeholders across the semiconductor ecosystem. This includes input from both NSTC members and the NSTC Workforce Advisory Board (WFAB). Comprised of key stakeholders from the private sector, government, non-profits, training providers, academia, and labor organizations, the WFAB will offer critical input on national and regional workforce strategies, ensuring the WCoE’s initiatives are employer-driven, worker-centered, and responsive to real-time industry challenges.

Nominations for WFAB members are now open and can be submitted online through November 1, 2024. For more information about the WFAB and to access the nomination form, please follow the link below.

NSTC Workforce Partner Alliance (WFPA)

On Sept. 25, 2024, Natcast announced more than $11 million in anticipated funding through the 2024 NSTC Workforce Partner Alliance (WFPA) program, which funds initiatives addressing critical U.S. job and skill gaps across semiconductor design, manufacturing, and production. The 7 anticipated WFPA programs are projected to support more than 12,000 individuals entering or advancing careers in the semiconductor industry.

¹ Semiconductor Industry Association, “Chipping Away: Assessing and Addressing the Labor Market Gap Facing the U.S. Semiconductor Industry”, July 2023.