The passage of the CHIPS and Science Act initiated a historic investment in the development of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing capacity. The Oregon CHIPS Act provided further support for Oregon’s semiconductor industry, which employs nearly 31,000 workers. For the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, ECOnorthwest completed a study in four parts: (1) an overview of the state’s semiconductor industry and workforce; (2) engagement with interested parties across Oregon, including representatives from education (high school, community college, and university), industry, and workforce development; (3) an analysis of student-level data that begins to describe the paths Oregon students take from high school, through postsecondary education and training, and into the semiconductor workforce; and (4) recommendations focused on strengthening education pathways and diversifying the semiconductor workforce.
The study shows that semiconductor-related programs and curricula are well established in Oregon and on par with programs and curricula in other states, but that accredited programs in particular are not designed to adapt swiftly to the rapidly changing demands of the semiconductor industry. The size of the industry in Oregon relative to its postsecondary system suggests the state should focus on systems and structures that strengthen existing pathways that address the most critical industry needs. Among other recommendations, the talent assessment calls for the creation of a talent working group or industry consortium.
