Workforce Development

Advanced semiconductor manufacturing depends on people as much as technology. FAST’s workforce development strategy is motivated by labor shortages, economic opportunities for Oregon, rising skill requirements driven by AI, and national competitiveness concerns. The strategy was developed in close collaboration with industry partners to identify and prioritize the most critical needs. These efforts are supported by $8.5 million from Oregon’s Semiconductor Talent Sustaining Fund.

Solutions driven by partnerships

By uniting partners from K–12 schools, community colleges, universities, workforce organizations, and employers, FAST is establishing straightforward and scalable pathways to well-paying jobs in semiconductors. We partner with:

Employers

seeking skilled semiconductor talent

Education providers

scaling training and credentialing programs.

Workforce

boards and community organizations expand access.

Partner with FAST

Our strategy is focused on outcomes

1

Early Awareness and Engagement

Expanding early‑stage awareness through coordinated K–12 outreach, educator engagement.
2

Clear, Stackable Career Pathways

Creating continuous K–20 pathways connecting high schools, community colleges, universities, and professional training programs.
3

Scaling an AI‑Ready Semiconductor Workforce

Aligning curriculum, training infrastructure, internships, and employer engagement to scale workforce production beyond current graduation rates.

FAST in action

Creating awareness of Oregon’s semiconductor industry and the multitude of employment, training and educational opportunities through Oregon Semi Central, a website hub for learners, employers, and educators.

Inspiring the next generation of the workforce though K-12 programs like Building Blocks 2 Success, Oregon MESA, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and Oregon STEM.

Providing training and career exploration for engineering students and veterans through hands-on learning opportunities through programs like VETS-UP, the OSU CHIPS Lab, and the Semiconductor Training Camp sponsored by Analog Devices and Intel.

Offering specialization in semiconductor fields through a short sequence of courses that lead to a microcredential in areas such as semiconductor fabrication, semiconductor facilities design and management, process engineering fundamentals, programming fundamentals, and more. See semiconductor microcredentials.

Educating the semiconductor workforce through numerous university and college degree programs.
Training opportunities

FAST core academic partners

Portland State University
Artificial intelligence, chemistry, chemical engineering, computer science, data science, electrical and computer engineering, engineering management, industrial engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, physics, robotics, and supply chain and logistics management.
University of Oregon
Electrochemistry, advanced materials analysis and characterization, chemistry and biochemistry, computer information technology, computer science, electrochemical science and technology, materials science and technology, multidisciplinary science, physics, quantum technologies.
Portland State University

Computer science, electrical and computer engineering, engineering and technology management, global supply chain management, materials science and engineering, physics, semiconductor materials and manufacturing, and semiconductor technology.

Chemeketa
Computer science and IT degree, CAD certificate, and preparation for university transfer in computer information systems, computer science, data science, engineering, and science.
Other FAST academic partners support semiconductor training: Lane Community College, Linn-Benton Community College, Mt. Hood Community College, Portland Community College, Willamette University.