Biden administration launches chip workforce programme

By 2030, the US is expected to face a shortage of 90,000 semiconductor technicians, jeopardising its goal to produce a significant share of the world’s advanced chips. The Biden administration has launched a new programme to develop the domestic chip workforce to address this looming crisis. The initiative, known as the workforce partner alliance, will allocate part of the $5 billion from the National Semiconductor Technology Centre (NSTC) to fund up to ten projects focusing on workforce development.

The NSTC, established under the 2022 Chips and Science Act, will provide grants between $500,000 and $2 million to support these projects. The effort is part of a broader $39 billion investment to boost domestic chipmaking capabilities, with additional funds earmarked for research and development. The new programme marks the first workforce-specific funding opportunity under this landmark legislation.

As the US seeks to expand its semiconductor production, the NSTC aims to build a robust workforce capable of supporting this growth. The administration has already committed substantial funding to major semiconductor manufacturers, and more grants are expected in the coming months. The most recent grant of $6.7 million will support the establishment of a new Florida factory by Rogue Valley Microdevices, focusing on defence and biomedical chip applications.