【SIA】2024美国半导体行业劳动力发展政策蓝图_30页_932kb

Summary of "SEMICONDUCTOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: A POLICY BLUEPRINT"

Core Content

The document outlines a comprehensive policy blueprint to address the critical workforce challenges facing the U.S. semiconductor industry. It emphasizes the importance of a skilled technical workforce for maintaining U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, design, and related technologies. The report highlights the need for both high-level STEM education and practical training for skilled technicians, as well as broader initiatives to expand the talent pipeline and improve affordability in education and training programs.

Main Viewpoints

• Workforce Shortfall: The U.S. semiconductor industry is projected to face a significant shortage of skilled workers, including engineers, scientists, and technicians, by 2030. This gap spans the entire supply chain, from design and research to manufacturing and support roles.
• Talent Pipeline Expansion: There is a need to increase the number of individuals entering the STEM pipeline, particularly from underrepresented groups such as women, minorities, and veterans.
• Immigration Reform: The U.S. must reform its immigration policies to retain international STEM graduates and attract global talent to support its technology leadership.
• Training and Education Programs: The U.S. should expand and improve workforce training programs, including apprenticeships and career and technical education (CTE), to meet the industry's needs.
• Interagency Coordination: A coordinated approach across federal agencies and educational institutions is essential to ensure consistency and effectiveness in workforce development efforts.

Key Information

I. Build the Supply of Engineers and Scientists

1. Invest in the Innovation Workforce

   • Increase and sustain funding for federal R&D programs to build a strong innovation workforce.
   • Key recommendations include funding for STEM education and workforce development programs under the CHIPS and Science Act, such as the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, PreK-12 STEM Education, and others.
   • SIA recommends increasing funding for programs like the NSF Innovation Engines, NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and the EDA Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs.

2. High-skilled Global Talent

   • The U.S. must reform its immigration system to retain international STEM graduates and reduce the backlog in employment-based green cards.
   • SIA recommends legislation to eliminate STEM green card backlogs and expand the list of STEM jobs eligible for the H-1B Visa Revalidation Pilot Program.
   • The Administration should also update the Schedule A occupation list and expedite the labor certification process.

II. Improve and Simplify Training of Skilled Technicians

1. High-quality Workforce Training

   • Expand apprenticeships and career and technical training programs that align with industry needs.
   • SIA recommends simplifying the registration process, increasing funding, and creating Regional Semiconductor Apprenticeship Schools.
   • The document also supports the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins CTE Act), with specific reforms to improve effectiveness and transparency.

2. Standardization and Portability of Skills

   • There is a need for standardized curricula, skills metrics, and accreditation across training institutions and programs.
   • SIA recommends the creation of a coordinating body to develop and share common curricula and training models, with a focus on community colleges.
   • The National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology (Natcast) is suggested as the entity to lead this effort.

III. Cross-Cutting Workforce Challenges: Expanding the Pipeline and Addressing Affordability

1. Expand and Advance the STEM Talent Pipeline

   • Increase access to STEM education and training for underrepresented groups, including veterans, women, and minorities.
   • SIA recommends increasing funding for STEM education at all levels and providing scholarships and incentives for students to pursue relevant degrees and credentials.

2. Affordability

   • Remove financial barriers to entry into semiconductor education and training programs through Pell grants, favorable loans, and other incentives.
   • The document highlights the importance of making education and training more accessible and affordable to ensure a diverse and skilled workforce.

Conclusion

The U.S. semiconductor industry's competitiveness and the broader economy's growth depend on a robust, skilled, and diverse workforce. The CHIPS and Science Act provides a strong foundation for addressing these challenges, but more must be done to fully realize its potential. A holistic and coordinated approach involving federal agencies, educational institutions, and industry partners is essential to build a sustainable and capable workforce for the future.