#United States #Workforce Development #Syracuse #Semiconductor

Strengthening the Semiconductor Workforce in Syracuse

Leaders from government, industry, and workforce development convened at Syracuse University's National Veterans Resource Center on March 20, 2025, for a pivotal summit aimed at bolstering New York's semiconductor sector. This event, organized by the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement (NIICA) and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), gathered influential figures including Congressional leaders, local officials, and industry experts to discuss strategies that will enhance workforce development in the region.

With the explosive growth of semiconductor manufacturing in New York, which has seen a remarkable 27% increase in companies since the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, the summit served as a crucial meeting point to refine best practices in workforce training. The urgency for a skilled workforce in this sector cannot be overstated, as evidenced by the rise in investments aimed at fostering industry and supply chain growth.

Sujai Shivakumar, a Senior Fellow at CSIS, emphasized, "A strong semiconductor workforce is the foundation of U.S. technological leadership." Sharing insights into New York’s innovative strategy, he highlighted the importance of aligning educational initiatives with industry needs to cultivate talent on a large scale. Participants engaged in fruitful discussions centered around the expansion of apprenticeships and targeted training programs that would enable workers to transition into high-demand roles within the semiconductor domain.

Hope Knight, President and CEO of Empire State Development, highlighted strategic investments under Governor Hochul’s leadership, aimed at reinforcing the state's position in semiconductor manufacturing. She remarked, "By facilitating workforce training programs, we can ensure that New Yorkers have the skills necessary for these burgeoning high-tech jobs." This clear commitment underlines the significance of preparing residents for sustainable and well-paying careers in critical industries.

Workforce practitioners and industry leaders echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that training approaches need to extend beyond traditional classroom settings. Dr. Robert Geer, Vice President of Education and Workforce Development at NY CREATES, stated, "Developing a semiconductor workforce requires hands-on experience and structured career pathways. We must leverage Registered Apprenticeships and skill-based learning programs to effectively close the talent gap."

Collaboration emerged as a compelling theme throughout the event. Melinda Woods, NIICA Board Chair, remarked, "The success of New York's workforce strategy showcases the strength of public-private partnerships. By aligning interests from government, industry, and education sectors, we can meet today's demands while creating a framework for future economic resilience and innovation." This ongoing dialogue ensures a continuous alignment of educational outcomes with industry requirements, a crucial element as the semiconductor industry evolves.

The summit also highlighted the role of maintaining adaptable training programs that meet the rapidly changing landscape of semiconductor manufacturing. As investments in this area surge, the need for a skilled workforce becomes even more pressing, requiring more dynamic approaches to education and training.

Ryan McMahon, Onondaga County Executive, remarked on the regional efforts to maximize investments that have long-lasting implications for New York and the nation. His commitment to preparing a workforce capable of handling the anticipated job growth underscores the collective responsibility amongst regional stakeholders and government bodies to collaborate for mutual success.

To conclude, this strategic summit in Syracuse is not merely an isolated event; it marks a significant step towards ensuring that New York remains at the forefront of semiconductor manufacturing while simultaneously building a robust talent pipeline that will support growth in the coming decades. As industry dynamics continue to shift, the strategies discussed at this summit will be vital in shaping the future workforce landscape, positioning New York as a model for semiconductor workforce development across the nation.

For those who missed the event, a recorded session will be available on NIICA’s YouTube channel for further insights on the discussions held and the strategic vision shared by attendees.