Building the Workforce of Tomorrow: Advancing Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing Talent Pipelines
By Mike Russo
As we enter 2025, we find ourselves at a crossroads for workforce development in the United States. The semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries are not just crucial to our economy—they are foundational to our national security and global competitiveness. At the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ (NIICA), our mission is clear: to build sustainable talent pipelines that equip individuals, support industries, and drive innovation in these critical sectors.
A Year of Milestones and Impact
2024 was a transformative year for NIICA, marked by significant achievements that reflect the collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose of our team and partners. In our flagship Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductors™ (GAINS) program as a national Intermediary for the United States Department of Labor (USDOL), we achieved:
132 employers engaged in Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) across 25 states
7,553 apprentices committed to our GAINS Registered Apprenticeships.3,015 active Registered Apprentices, representing diverse backgrounds and pathways
179 RA standards signed or under development, providing frameworks for sustainable career opportunities
60 community colleges and educational training providers in our national network providing Related Technical Instruction (RTI) through our Semiconductor Industry Network of Colleges™ (SINC)
These numbers are not just data points—they represent real people, communities, and opportunities. They are the foundation of a more resilient, equitable workforce for the future.
Celebrating Success and Collaboration
The past year saw remarkable milestones across our programs and initiatives, and we made significant strides in aligning education and industry, creating sustainable pathways for the workforce of tomorrow. In January we initiated the Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program™ (SAM-TAP) which is focused on helping states expand learn-and-earn opportunities in broader technician roles and provide services to build regional talent pipelines.
We expanded programs that bridge gaps in education and employment, such as the Gateway Apprenticeship Program™, whereby we are helping the nation’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs become pre-apprenticeships at scale, helping graduates to seamlessly transition into learn-and-earn opportunities in high-value careers, supported by SINC. These efforts continue to connect K-12 systems, community colleges, and employers, ensuring students and apprentices are prepared to meet the demands of high-tech industries.
Our collaboration with federal agencies, like the USDOL, brought national attention to the importance of RAs in advanced manufacturing. As part of this collaboration, we hosted impactful events with leaders like Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su and Women’s Bureau Director Wendy Chun-Hoon. We recognized trailblazing employers, including GlobalFoundries and Applied Materials, for their innovative approaches to workforce development, and the City of Phoenix for being the first municipality in the U.S. to become a RA group program sponsor for the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries, supporting our GAINS program.
In 2024, we also demonstrated our commitment to expanding opportunity by launching the Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship in honor of GAINS apprentice Maddison Spaulding, the first woman apprentice in the program, and expanding access to RAs for veterans through the VALOR Act. These initiatives reflect our mission to open doors to high-value careers for underrepresented groups, women, and returning service members.
Strengthening our leadership was a priority in 2024. We welcomed Clayton Nagel as Senior Director of the National Center for Skill-Based Learning. With decades of experience in technical training and workforce development in the semiconductor industry, Nagel has been instrumental in advancing NIICA’s mission and expanding our programs. Clay also leads NIICA’s Workforce and Education Career and Apprentice Network™ (WE CAN), a platform to share best practices and information within our community of related practitioners.
This year, we strengthened our leadership team to guide NIICA’s strategic direction in impactful ways. Melinda Woods, a valued existing board member, was appointed as chairwoman, bringing unparalleled expertise from her work in the Department of Defense supply chain and providing critical insights into workforce development and national security. Joining the board are two new members: Emily Reilly, a seasoned leader who has driven global HR initiatives for a major semiconductor company, and Joe Dragone, who brings decades of experience in K-12 education and career and technical education. Together, their perspectives and expertise will ensure our vision for the future remains aligned with industry needs and our mission. These leadership additions position NIICA for even greater success in 2025 and beyond.
And most visibly, we rebranded as the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ to better reflect our mission and vision. This rebranding underscored our role as a leader in workforce innovation and laid the foundation for impactful work ahead.
Leading into 2025
Our accomplishments in 2024 have set the stage for transformative progress in 2025. In our first major announcement of the year, we launched our NIICA Certification™, a groundbreaking distinction designed to ensure training programs align with the evolving needs of the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries. Leveraging the National Talent Hub™ (NTH) technology, this revolutionary certification process is dynamic as it validates programs against industry-informed Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) on an ongoing basis, providing real-time updates to adapt to changing job requirements – at the industry level, occupation level or specific employer job level. By bridging the gap between education and industry, this certification contributes to a seamless pipeline of talent, enabling individuals to gain the skills they need for meaningful, high-demand careers.
We approach 2025 with optimism—and with the recognition that challenges remain. The global semiconductor industry is projected to grow by 80% by 2030, and the demand for skilled workers continues to outpace supply. As we navigate the transition of a new presidential administration, we are reminded that bipartisan support for workforce development has never been more critical. NIICA stands ready to engage with policymakers, partners, and stakeholders to ensure the continued success of initiatives that help build and broaden the pipeline of talent needed to support critical industries and support the development of state and regional career hubs. The strategy, infrastructure and programs we have developed and are now deploying have spanned several administrations, which speaks to the priority placed on this work.
A Mission for People and Progress
At NIICA, we know that our work is about more than programs or metrics—it’s about people. It’s about empowering individuals to pursue high-value careers and ensuring strategic industries have the talent they need to thrive. The road ahead requires innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to building a better future for everyone.
As we look forward to the opportunities of 2025, I am deeply grateful for the dedication and vision of our team, partners, and stakeholders. Together, we are deploying a strategy that creates a future where opportunity is accessible, industries are resilient, and communities are strengthened.
Here’s to another year of progress and possibility.
With gratitude and optimism,
Michael A. Russo
President & CEO
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