Purdue and University of Illinois Join Forces to Enhance Semiconductor Industry Talent Pool

Enhancing Semiconductor Workforce through University Partnerships

Two top engineering schools from leading universities are coming together to enhance training and technology development in support of the domestic semiconductor sector.

A partial governing board consisting of industry advisors will play a crucial role in this partnership, allowing the universities to act as a central point of engagement for industry partners seeking skilled semiconductor professionals.

Mark Lundstrom, the John A. Edwardson Dean of Purdue’s College of Engineering, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with The Grainger College of Engineering at the U. of I. He emphasized the importance of semiconductor technology in various sectors such as healthcare, defense, and artificial intelligence.

Rashid Bashir, the Grainger Engineering dean, highlighted the significance of workforce development in the semiconductor industry and the role of strategic partnerships in addressing global challenges.

Meeting the Growing Demand for Skilled Semiconductor Workforce

Reports suggest that the U.S. semiconductor industry could face a shortage of 157,000 skilled workers by 2030, with a specific need for at least 50,000 trained semiconductor engineers.

The partnership aims to focus on various aspects of semiconductor manufacturing, including fabrication, chip design, engineering, and advanced packaging.

Collaborative Leadership for Success

The leadership team of the partnership includes faculty members from both universities with expertise in semiconductor engineering. An executive director with industry experience will also be appointed to strengthen industry ties.

Shaloo Rakheja and David Janes will lead the initiative, emphasizing the importance of onshore semiconductor expertise for economic competitiveness and national security.

Enhancing Industry Collaboration

Both institutions plan to expand their industry-focused programs, offering experiential learning opportunities and industry-driven graduate programs. They will also host recruiting events and research initiatives in the region.

Industry collaboration will be a key focus, with opportunities for on-campus programs, research projects, and internships to support the development of a skilled semiconductor workforce.

David Janes emphasized the strength of collaboration in semiconductor education and workforce development, highlighting the joint efforts of Purdue Engineering and Grainger Engineering in this vital national interest.