Purdue University Trains Students for Chipmaking Jobs

Purdue University has concluded its second year of the STARS program, designed to equip undergraduates for careers in chipmaking, particularly in light of a nearby plant poised to commence mass production shortly after their graduation. Participants, like student Zhang, emphasize the program's value in providing hands-on experience in clean rooms and labs, a rarity for undergraduates. This initiative is one of only two extensive semiconductor training programs available at U.S. colleges, aiming to address a significant workforce gap in the domestic chip industry. Despite the efforts of programs like STARS, McKinsey & Co. projects a shortfall of 59,000 workers in the U.S. chip sector by 2029, potentially escalating to 146,000 without adequate intervention. The Semiconductor Industry Association has reported over $30 billion in CHIPS Act grants and $25 billion in loans to major semiconductor firms, highlighting the urgent need for a skilled workforce. Bill Wiseman from McKinsey notes that while new chipmaking plants are unlikely to remain idle due to labor shortages, understaffing could lead to increased operational costs, particularly as U.S. manufacturing is already more expensive than in countries like Taiwan and South Korea. To bolster the domestic talent pool, Purdue’s chief semiconductor officer, Mark Lundstrom, advocates for early engagement with prospective hires, suggesting that current internship opportunities often come too late in students' academic journeys. The university is under pressure to triple the number of graduates ready for semiconductor careers, especially with SK Hynix planning an advanced packaging facility in West Lafayette, Indiana, set to begin production in 2028. McKinsey researchers propose diversifying recruitment strategies to fill the talent gap, including outreach to immigrant communities, military veterans, and individuals with skills from related industries such as pharmaceuticals and automotive manufacturing. Taylor Roundtree, an associate partner at McKinsey, emphasizes that simply offering courses is insufficient if student enrollment does not meet the demand for skilled workers.