Albany hosts roundtable on strengthening New York’s semiconductor workforce

On November 22, 2024, Albany, New York, played host to a significant roundtable discussion entitled “Semiconductors for Tomorrow: Strengthening New York’s Talent Pipeline Through Registered Apprenticeships.” Organised by the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement (NIICA) in collaboration with Capital Region BOCES, the event coincided with National Apprenticeship Week and followed closely after National Semiconductor Day™, marking an important moment for the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Among the notable attendees was Congressman Paul Tonko, who emphasised the pivotal role of semiconductors in the modern economy across various domains including technology, healthcare, and energy. He highlighted New York’s emerging leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, particularly in light of recent advancements like the Albany NanoTech Complex being designated as the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator. This facility will serve as a national research centre focused on extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, underscoring the escalating need for a well-trained workforce to support the tech-intensive growth within the industry.

Speaking at the event, Mike Russo, President and CEO of NIICA, reiterated the importance of a sustainable and inclusive workforce in cementing New York’s position as a global leader in semiconductor innovation. The discussions revealed a concerted effort to address skills gaps in the workforce and foster economic growth through Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) and partnerships among various stakeholders including businesses, educational institutions, and workforce development organisations.

Dr. Joseph Dragone, associated with Capital Region BOCES, shared insights from his experience working directly with students and employers, affirming the transformative impact of connecting youth with career opportunities. This sentiment echoed throughout the roundtable, where participants outlined innovative workforce strategies and the vital role of educational partnerships in preparing the next generation for careers in high-demand fields.

As part of NIICA’s broader workforce initiatives, the group has previously established the country’s first Career Opportunity Hub in Albany in 2023, aimed at linking job seekers with tailored training and employment opportunities in sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing. Earlier this year, NIICA and Capital Region BOCES introduced New York’s inaugural Gateway Apprenticeship Program™, which connects high school students entering career and technical education (CTE) programmes with RAs, providing them direct pathways into the workforce.

In his remarks, Will Bronner, Chief Human Resources Officer for NY CREATES, underscored the value of aligning industry needs with educational opportunities to support innovation and economic development. Katie Newcombe, Chief Economic Development Officer for the Centre for Economic Growth, also highlighted the importance of collaborative partnerships in ensuring New York’s stature as a leader in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor technologies.

Representatives from major industry players, including GlobalFoundries, asserted the potential of RAs and collaborative workforce strategies to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of meeting the growing demands of the semiconductor ecosystem. Christine McLear, GlobalFoundries’ workforce development lead, spoke to the necessity of strong public-private partnerships in building a robust pipeline of talent.

The panel discussions culminated in a consensus on the critical role of collaboration among industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and government bodies in not only addressing immediate workforce challenges but also in laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth.

A replay of the roundtable discussion will be accessible on NIICA’s YouTube channel for those unable to attend. The event was also part of a broader initiative, the Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductor RA (GAINS), which is currently implemented across 24 states with substantial employer participation.

NIICA remains at the forefront of developing the talent pipeline necessary to bolster U.S. competitiveness in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing, striving to secure a workforce capable of supporting future innovation in the industry.

Source: Noah Wire Services