Program represents the NSTC’s initial semiconductor workforce funding opportunity
WASHINGTON – July 1, 2024 – Natcast, the purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) Consortium, today launched the NSTC Workforce Partner Alliance (WFPA) program, the NSTC’s first workforce funding opportunity. The NSTC is funded by the Department of Commerce as part of CHIPS for America’s commitment to advancing U.S. leadership in semiconductor research and development. The WFPA program will invest in initiatives addressing critical U.S. job and skill gaps across semiconductor design, manufacturing, and production.
“The NSTC Workforce Partner Alliance program will partner with stakeholders across the semiconductor industry to build and sustain a strong domestic workforce development ecosystem,” said Deirdre Hanford, CEO of Natcast. “As a collective, we will accelerate progress in the U.S. semiconductor industry by tackling its most critical challenges, including the need for a highly skilled workforce that can meet the evolving demands of the industry.”
Natcast encourages a wide range of workforce solution providers to apply for this initial workforce program. Entities providing semiconductor-related education or training programs, products, or activities developed to prepare, encourage, motivate, or enable individuals to obtain the skills or credentials required for jobs across the semiconductor ecosystem in the U.S. should consider applying. Individuals and unincorporated businesses are not eligible, nor are foreign entities or entities associated with foreign countries of concern. The deadline for applications is July 26, 2024.
This initial workforce program plans to make awards to 4-10 high-impact projects. Project proposals should be one (1) to two (2) years in duration with a total budget between $500,000 and $2 million per award. Proposals can include established programs with a track record of success seeking to scale; growing programs seeking to expand or realign; or new programs that meet a previously unaddressed need, opportunity, or theory of change.
“The U.S. semiconductor industry faces a significant workforce challenge as future demand for semiconductor talent is forecasted to rapidly outpace the number of skilled workers entering the industry,” said Michael Barnes, Senior Manager of Workforce Development Programs at Natcast. “It is imperative that we develop a domestic semiconductor workforce ecosystem that can support the industry’s anticipated growth and strengthen American national security, economic prosperity, and global competitiveness.”
The WFPA program is the first of several anticipated workforce program funding opportunities to be offered through the NSTC. The Department of Commerce expects to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in the NSTC’s workforce efforts, including the creation of a Workforce Center of Excellence (WCoE).
The WCoE will operate future NSTC workforce funding programs and collaborate with industry leaders, researchers, educational institutions, government bodies, workforce development organizations, nonprofits, unions, and other training providers to address the industry’s workforce challenges.
Additional partnership opportunities will be made available through future programming.
To review full eligibility requirements and to apply for the WFPA program, please visit www.natcast.org/workforce/wfpa. For more information on all NSTC workforce initiatives operated by Natcast, please visit: www.natcast.org/workforce.