$7.5M Granted to Austin Community College to Expand Semiconductor Technician Training Programs
Texas was already the leading state in the nation for semiconductor chip manufacturing when, in 2022, the federal government passed the CHIPS Act and focused attention on bolstering this key industry. Texas’ government followed suit with its own CHIPS Act, spurring an influx of resources and job opportunities across the state. A new grant from the Department of Defense puts $7.5 million more into nascent semiconductor technician training programs at Austin Community College (ACC), readying the workforce to fill the high-tech jobs that will be created in coming years as new plants open.
Strengthening National Security
Semiconductors are the tiny computer “chips” that do the thinking for technologically complex machines. They’re essential to manufacturing modern cars, phones, televisions, and more, but the U.S. has been falling behind Asian economies in chip production for years. The problem came to a head during the COVID-19 pandemic, when semiconductor supply chain issues caused shortages of many consumer goods.
After the pandemic exposed semiconductors as one of the U.S.’s vulnerabilities, the federal government passed the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, awarding grants for semiconductor manufacturing and research, as well as streamlining permitting processes.
The Department of Defense (DoD) has since taken a more intensive role in semiconductor manufacturing, recognizing it as a vital sector to have based on the home front. The relatively new semiconductor program at ACC is receiving funds from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a DoD agency that focuses on technological development related to national security.
Jumpstarting Semiconductor Career Tracks
The newest $7.5M grant from DARPA will go towards bolstering and expanding ACC’s semiconductor education programs. ACC’s Semiconductor Technician Advanced Rapid Start Program launched last year. The four-week, full-time course focuses on preparing workers for semiconductor manufacturing technician roles.
The school has partnered with the University of Texas and the Texas Institute for Electronics, using money distributed through Texas’ CHIPS Act, to create a semiconductor training center with a larger educational scope. The center has not yet opened, but with a boost from the most recent grant, this Texas workforce development initiative is likely to begin teaching students in January 2025.
Raising the Bar for the Entire Texas Workforce
Notably, ACC is the only community college out of 18 other academic institutions selected for this grant. As manufacturing in Texas continues to grow and innovate, the state’s education system is keeping up with the changes, offering instruction in a variety of areas for a broad spectrum of students.
“Our education and training programs are directly connecting students with employers,” ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lower-Hart said in a press release announcing the grant. “The work that is happening is helping ensure our training aligns directly to the workforce needs here in Central Texas.”
Accessible programs for high-earning manufacturing jobs at ACC is just one example of the practical workforce education the state of Texas prioritizes. The University of Texas has also announced a new master’s degree program in semiconductor engineering. The program has four tracks; classes will focus on technical design and know-how, as well as packaging and supply chain management.
Make the Switch – Move Your Company to Texas
A coming boom of skilled semiconductor workers isn’t the only reason to move to the Austin area for business. Whether your company specializes in technology, manufacturing, or corporate services, Austin is a growing economic hub. Bookmark our website and come back regularly to stay updated on what’s happening in Texas’s business world, or to learn how you can expand your business and even start investing in other Texas business ventures.
