The semiconductor industry has become increasingly important in our daily lives, with chips powering everything from smartphones to smart home devices to cars. As we become more reliant on technology, it’s important to educate the next generation of engineers and scientists who will drive innovation in this industry. This is why the Krause Center for Innovation, along with Foothill College, SEMI Foundation, and Ignited, are collaborating to develop classroom materials and apprenticeship pathways for middle and high school students.

The partnership between these organizations began with a grant in the summer of 2021 and a shared interest in creating apprenticeship pathways in the semiconductor industry. Since then, they have worked together to identify work competencies and develop lesson plans that will engage students and prepare them for potential careers in this field. With California being a hub for the semiconductor industry, the materials and programs developed here will be used across the United States.

During a recent interest meeting, Dr. Tsu-Jae King Liu, Dean of Roy W. Carlson and Professor of Engineering at U.C. Berkeley, spoke about the importance of the semiconductor industry and how it has become the new oil. The demand for chips has skyrocketed due to the pandemic, and this has caused a shortage in the supply chain, impacting industries such as automotive. This has prompted Congress to take action to incentivize chip manufacturing in the United States.

“It’s clear that the semiconductor industry is critical for economic growth and national security, and it’s important for educators to collaborate with industry leaders to prepare students for future careers. This is especially important in California, where there is a need for qualified applicants to engineering programs at universities like U.C. Berkeley. Collaborating with community colleges can help address this problem and ensure that students are prepared for the challenges and opportunities in the semiconductor industry.” – Dr. Tsu-Jae King Liu

The semiconductor industry has transformed the way we live, work, and play. It’s critical for educators to collaborate with industry leaders to develop classroom materials and apprenticeship pathways that will prepare students for potential careers in this field. By doing so, we can ensure that the next generation of engineers and scientists will continue to drive innovation in this industry and make a positive impact on our world.

Panelists for the workshop included:

• Chris Allen – Dean, Apprenticeships, Foothill College
• Gay Krause – Executive Director, Krause Center for Innovation
• Justin Sewell – Director of Programs & Partnerships, Krause Center for Innovation
• Jeff  Schmidt – Former CEO, Ignited
• Berton Mahardja – Senior Manager of Global Education Initiatives at SEMI Foundation
• Robert Cormia – Foothill College Chemistry Instructor
• Dr. Sarah Parikh – Foothill College Physics & Engineering Instructor
• Jim Burnham – Mechatronics Engineering Instructor, Silicon Valley Career & Technical High School

 Listen to the entire presentation that features our panelists and stakeholders as they discuss this important topic: HERE

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Learn more about semiconductors:

• White House Press Release: CHIPS and Science Act Will Lower Costs, Create Jobs, Strengthen Supply Chains, and Counter China
• SEMI Foundation Resource Library
• Road Nation: Chips Act Documentary