Accepting applications until Monday, August 25, 2025 at 5 p.m. ET
In June 2025, Natcast launched the NSTC Top Workforce Solutions program to evaluate and showcase highly effective programs that strengthen the semiconductor workforce in the United States. By increasing the visibility of exemplary initiatives, this program will encourage investment in and facilitate the broader adoption of training, education, and workforce programs that effectively build the pool of talent required to support the growth and global competitiveness of the U.S. semiconductor industry.
Workforce Challenges
The semiconductor industry is facing significant workforce challenges as demand for semiconductor talent is expected to rapidly outpace the supply of trained workers. Building the semiconductor workforce that is needed today and into the future is critical to the health and competitiveness of the U.S. economy.
Making investments in the U.S. semiconductor workforce is an opportunity to connect individuals to quality jobs and build a robust workforce development ecosystem that supports an industry essential to the country’s national and economic security.
2025 Top Workforce Solutions
The demand for technicians is strong and growing in the United States. It’s predicted that the semiconductor workforce will increase in size by approximately 33 percent by 2030. Of the roughly 115,000 new jobs, it’s estimated over half could go unfilled, with technician positions representing close to 40 percent of these positions.[1]
In this first year, the NSTC Top Workforce Solutions program will recognize certificate programs offered by community colleges or technical training providers that prepare participants for technician roles in the domestic semiconductor industry.
Be a Leader in Workforce Excellence: Apply Today
By evaluating and acknowledging highly effective programs, the NSTC Top Workforce Solutions program will contribute to the continued development of a skilled semiconductor workforce in the United States. By increasing the visibility of successful practices, the Top Workforce Solutions program will promote increased investment in and adoption of best practices across the country.
Natcast will provide recognized programs with a digital badge that they can display online and in printed materials. Recognized programs will also be celebrated:
- In a press release
- On the Natcast website
- In NSTC and WCoE resources and publications
Additionally, programs recognized as an NSTC Top Workforce Solution may enjoy a multitude of benefits, including:
- Boosted credibility: Demonstrated commitment to excellence and effectiveness.
- National visibility: Increased visibility of programs to a broad, national audience.
- Partnership opportunities: Enhanced standing with industry employers, prospective funders, prospective partners, and other ecosystem stakeholders.
- Increased student appeal: Increased appeal of the program to those seeking reputable educational opportunities.
Applications for the 2025 NSTC Top Workforce Solutions program are currently being accepted through August 25, 2025.
General Eligibility
Eligible applicants include universities, colleges, community colleges, career and technical colleges, career and technical schools, workforce development organizations, regional training centers, and other providers of relevant technician training. These include both domestic for-profit and non-profit organizations. Eligible applicants must be a provider of training that results in a certification or credential offered by a community college or a technical training provider. Entities must have a U.S. presence and must not be debarred, suspended or otherwise prohibited from receiving federal funds. Individuals, unincorporated sole proprietors, and foreign entities of concern are not eligible.
Programmatic Requirements
- Program must prepare participants for careers as technicians in the domestic semiconductor industry or closely related fields, resulting in the issuance of a relevant, industry-recognized certificate to participants.
- Program must demonstrate that the participants are qualified to directly enter the semiconductor workforce upon completion.
- Program must focus on participants aged 16 and older.
- Program must be provided in the United States.
- If the program typically requires accreditation, it must be accredited by a recognized agency.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated for recognition using criteria designed to assess program effectiveness, including quality of program design, industry alignment, program capacity, employment outcomes, learner outcomes, and program cost.
Application Timeline
| Milestone | Target Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | June 26, 2025 |
| Informational Webinar | July 9, 2025 |
| Application Closes | August 25, 2025 |
| Selection Notification | Winter 2025-2026 |
Questions?
Questions can be submitted to [email protected]. Responses to frequently asked questions will be posted to this website.
[1] SIA_July2023_ChippingAway.pdf p. 4