Dive Brief:
- The Michigan Economic Development Corporation will offer $4.6 million in grants and matching funds to eight higher education institutions across the state in support of semiconductor education and training programs.
- The investment is intended to benefit over 2,400 people across Michigan, according to the Jan. 10 press release.
- While the state has long been known for its auto industry, it’s looking to invest more in semiconductor manufacturing as companies search for the next generation of engineers, technicians and other workers in the field.
Dive Insight:
Michigan’s chip sector is on the rise. The state is projected to see 11% job growth in semiconductor manufacturing over the next five years, according to the MEDC.
“Together with these partners, Michigan remains committed to ensuring students, researchers, employees and entrepreneurs recognize that when it comes to building a meaningful career or business in the semiconductor industry – they can make it here in Michigan,” Kerry Singh, EVP of the MEDC, said in a statement.
The U.S. semiconductor industry is expected to add 115,000 jobs by 2030, according to a report by the Semiconductor Industry Association. Even as it adds jobs however, the industry is still at risk of an up to 67,000-worker shortfall by 2030.
Semiconductor manufacturers such as GM, Calumet Electronics, Hemlock Semiconductors, KLA and SK Siltron are contributing to Michigan’s record investments in the sector.
Hemlock Semiconductors made a $375 million investment in October 2022 to expand its polysilicon manufacturing operations in Thomas Township, Michigan, according to a company press release.
Meanwhile, SK Siltron’s carbide wafers manufacturing facility in Bay City, Michigan, which was announced September 2022, is set to reach full capacity by 2025.
The eight training programs reach students and workers beginning in elementary school through mid-career professionals. Here’s a closer look at what each awarded school will be doing with the funds:
- Delta College is expanding semiconductor curriculum for adult career changers, current workers and high school students. STEM exploration programs for K-12 students are also on the agenda.
- Lansing Community College is launching a 10-day technician bootcamp to prepare job seekers for entry-level semiconductor technician roles.
- Michigan State University is creating a free five-day summer camp focused on career readiness and semiconductor awareness for middle and high school students in underserved regions.
- Michigan Technological University is supporting a major expansion of semiconductor education across Michigan's Upper Peninsula, introducing flexible semiconductor technician and maintenance micro-credentials programming.
- Oakland University is introducing a reskilling and upskilling training program on semiconductor technologies for engineers in the Detroit area.
- University of Michigan is developing hands-on training on microelectronics and semiconductor manufacturing open to high school and community college students.
- Washtenaw Community College is expanding outreach to middle and high school students, exposing them to semiconductor industry careers.
- Wayne State University is creating three new programs, including PCBCraft to train electrical and computer engineers, Career Craft to bridge the gap between traditional and evolving semiconductor industry requirements and Seminconductor Stars for middle and high school students to learn about electronics hardware and coding.
