The University of Texas at Dallas has been chosen to direct significant workforce development initiatives within the National Network for Microelectronics Education South Regional Node. This selection positions the university at the forefront of efforts to train employees for the expanding semiconductor sector as manufacturers increase their presence in North Texas and across the country.
UT Dallas will expand an existing consortium dedicated to semiconductor technician training. This group currently includes Collin College, Dallas College, Grayson College, Tarrant County College, and Murray State College in Oklahoma. The University of Texas at Arlington will serve as an independent evaluator for the consortium. Additionally, the university will lead employer engagement efforts throughout the NNME South region.
Dr. Ted Moise, director of the North Texas Semiconductor Institute based at UT Dallas, noted that the reshoring of semiconductor manufacturing and the rise of artificial intelligence are driving strong demand for advanced manufacturing expertise. He expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with industry and academic partners to build a workforce equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.
The NNME initiative is supported by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Commerce Department, and the SEMI Foundation. The NNME South node is eligible for up to $20 million over five years. Led by UT Austin, the node covers Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
This development coincides with accelerated investments by semiconductor companies such as Texas Instruments, GlobalWafers America, Coherent Corp., and FormFactor in North Texas. According to the Semiconductor Industry Association, the U.S. semiconductor industry is projected to add 115,000 new jobs by 2030. Moise estimated that 29,000 of these positions will be located within the NNME South region.
Technicians constitute the largest category of workforce shortages in the industry. Training for many of these roles, which offer competitive starting salaries, is available through community college certificate programs. Moise stated that the institute has been working with industry leaders to ensure educational institutions provide students with the skills employers need.
