It would seem like no one really wants to talk about it, yet it is well past time to discuss the enormous elephant in the room. In order to move forward efficiently, we must ensure we are taking a good look at our surroundings. So let’s talk about why workforce development is absolutely crucial for the United States to not just participate in, but to lead the charge in technology development and manufacturing, especially when it comes to semiconductors, microchips, and PCBs. It’s not just about building factories; it’s about having the skilled people to run them, innovate within them, and drive the entire ecosystem forward.
Think of it like this: you can have the most advanced race car in the world, but without a skilled driver and a pit crew, it’s not going to win any races. Similarly, the U.S. can pour billions into building state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, but without a well-trained workforce, those facilities won’t reach their full potential, and we won’t achieve true self-reliance or global leadership.
The elephant in the room for the OEM tech industry: The need to focus on Workforce Development
The Current Landscape in the World of Technology: A Need for Talent
Right now, there’s a significant push to bring semiconductor and related manufacturing back to American soil. The CHIPS and Science Act is a testament to this, providing substantial funding to incentivize domestic production and R&D. However, all that investment risks falling short if we don’t simultaneously invest in the people who will power this resurgence.
We’re talking about a wide range of skills, from the engineers who design these intricate devices to the technicians who operate and maintain the sophisticated manufacturing equipment, and even the skilled tradespeople who build and support these facilities. The demand for these roles is only going to grow, and currently, there’s a gap between the available talent and what’s needed.
Viable Pathways: Nurturing a Skilled American Workforce
So, how do we bridge this gap and ensure America has the workforce it needs to thrive in these critical industries? It requires a multi-pronged approach that touches various stages of education and career development:
Early STEM Education: It all starts with getting kids interested in science, technology, engineering, and math early on. This means investing in quality STEM programs in K-12 education, making it engaging and accessible to all students. Think about hands-on projects, coding classes, and opportunities to explore the world of technology.
Vocational Training and Community Colleges: These institutions play a vital role in preparing individuals for skilled technical jobs. We need to strengthen these pathways with industry-aligned curricula, apprenticeships, and opportunities for certifications in areas like advanced manufacturing, robotics, and electronics. Imagine community colleges working directly with semiconductor companies to create training programs that lead to guaranteed jobs.
University Programs: Our universities need to continue producing top-notch engineers and scientists. This includes supporting research in microelectronics, materials science, and related fields, as well as ensuring that engineering and science curricula are up-to-date with the latest industry trends. We also need to encourage more students to pursue these fields.
Upskilling and Reskilling Initiatives: For the existing workforce, we need programs that allow individuals to gain new skills or adapt their current skills to the needs of the advanced manufacturing sector. This could involve online courses, employer-sponsored training, and initiatives that help workers transition from other industries.
The Digital Viking Vision and the Skills Passport
This is where initiatives like the Digital Viking Technology Resorts and their proposed Skills Passport Program become particularly interesting and relevant.
The Technology Resorts concept, as envisioned by Brian K. Long at Digital Viking along with the “United Above All” coalition, isn’t just about fancy hotels with gadgets. It’s about creating regional hubs that strategically integrate workforce training, advanced manufacturing, entertainment, and education. Imagine a place where people can learn about semiconductor manufacturing through hands-on experiences, get certified in specific skills, and even see these technologies in action.
A key component of this vision is the Skills Passport. Think of it as a digital, verified record of an individual’s competencies, micro-certifications, and skills. Instead of just a traditional resume, a Skills Passport would allow individuals to showcase their actual, validated abilities to potential employers. For the semiconductor industry, this could mean having verifiable proof of skills in areas like cleanroom operation, specific equipment handling, or quality control.
Here’s why a Skills Passport could be a game-changer:
Better Matching: It helps employers find candidates with the precise skills they need, rather than relying solely on degrees or traditional qualifications.
Faster Hiring: Verified skills can speed up the hiring process, getting qualified individuals into crucial roles more quickly.
Increased Mobility: It empowers individuals by providing a portable record of their skills that they can use throughout their careers.
Several organizations are already exploring the concept of skills passports or digital credentials. Platforms like Credly and Accredible allow individuals to collect and share verified badges and certifications. EY and Microsoft have even launched an “AI Skills Passport” to help people learn about and work with AI technologies.
The Digital Viking initiative aims to take this a step further by potentially linking the Skills Passport directly to the training and certification programs offered within the Technology Resorts, creating a more direct pipeline between education, validated skills, and employment in the advanced manufacturing sector.
Why This Matters for American Leadership
Focusing on workforce development isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s fundamental to the U.S. becoming a true leader in semiconductor, microchip, and PCB manufacturing. We can attract companies to build here through incentives, but to sustain that leadership, we need a deep pool of skilled American workers who can:
- Operate and maintain advanced manufacturing facilities.
- Drive innovation and improve manufacturing processes.
- Ensure the quality and reliability of American-made products.
- Compete globally in terms of talent and expertise.
- Without this focus, we risk being a nation with advanced factories run by talent from elsewhere, or worse, factories that can’t operate at full capacity due to a lack of skilled personnel.
In Conclusion
The push for technological advancement in the U.S., particularly in semiconductor and related manufacturing, must go hand-in-hand with a robust and forward-thinking approach to workforce development. Initiatives like the Digital Viking Technology Resorts and Skills Passport programs offer a glimpse into innovative ways to cultivate the talent needed for America to not just participate, but to truly thrive and lead in this critical sector. It’s about investing in our people just as much as we invest in infrastructure and technology.