The semiconductor industry is the cornerstone of Oregon's economy, playing a critical role in both the state and national landscape.  

With over a dozen microchip design and manufacturing companies, and over 200 semiconductor suppliers located in Oregon, the State boasts a thriving semiconductor ecosystem that supports over 38,000 direct jobs. 

Looking forward, the Oregon Employment Department (OED) forecasts an increase of 7,555 jobs by 2031 in semiconductor-related occupations. 

The City of Hillsboro is working with industry, higher education and community partners to meet industry needs and help build the workforce of tomorrow.  

Advanced manufacturing offers substantial employment opportunities in a variety of roles from engineering and technology to assembly and technical support, with average annual wages exceeding the state average. 

NSTC Workforce Partner Alliance Program  

In July, Natcast, a nonprofit established by the Federal CHIPS & Science Act, launched the National Semiconductor Technology Center Workforce Partner Alliance (WFPA). The WFPA announced their intention to support U.S. semiconductor workforce needs and strengthen the existing semiconductor workforce through a nationwide fund.

The City of Hillsboro, on behalf of Oregon’s broader Silicon Forest, has submitted a funding request in support of high-impact workforce development programs and is also supporting a second proposal with community partners.  

The City of Hillsboro — with support from the Oregon Business Council, Intel Corporation, El Centro Cultural, Portland Community College, Mt. Hood Community College, and Hillsboro School District — is applying for funding to create replicable, and agile workforce programs to build capacity and support industry needs and technology advancements.  

Over the last several years, the City and the Advanced Manufacturing Training & Education Collaborative of Hillsboro (AM-TECH) have mobilized existing partnerships to pilot and evaluate workforce training and education programs in advanced manufacturing.  

By leveraging these existing youth and adult apprenticeship, and short-term training programs, Hillsboro hopes to scale programs that can be accessible from all corners of the State. 

These programs would teach technical skills in semiconductor manufacturing, chip design, electronic design automation, and chip packaging. Credentials would be stackable, allowing progressive education and training to provide advancement opportunities from entry-level to advanced technical roles.  

The curriculum would align skills with direct employment opportunities, and potential for further training for advancement. In addition, there would be training for educators and industry trainers to ensure high-quality instruction and mentorship. 

Hillsboro is also providing support for a second application in which El Centro Cultural is partnering with UnidosUS, and two other community-based organizations in Arizona and New Mexico, to strengthen and diversify pathways into semiconductor roles.  

The Campeones in CHIPS program is designed to leverage and connect existing community resources resulting in localized, tailored approaches with specific training and placement opportunities based on our communities’ needs.  

Centro Cultural will recruit and support participants directly and facilitate training opportunities and connections to local semiconductor employers.  

A critical aspect of these initiatives is the commitment to serve those who are currently underrepresented in the technology and advanced manufacturing workforce.

These programs will connect communities historically underrepresented in the semiconductor workforce to the good jobs with family-sustaining wages available in the industry, with an emphasis on reaching: 

• Latino workers 
• Individuals who speak English as a second language 
• Women 
• Un- and under-employed individuals  
• Individuals from rural areas  
• Individuals from low-income backgrounds  

Successful completion of these projects would expand awareness and access for communities that are currently underrepresented in the semiconductor industry. They would also support community members seeking a future in the semiconductor industry by providing wrap around services while they undertake needed training. 

Together, these targeted educational and training programs will create a more inclusive workforce, address skills gaps and foster accessible economic prosperity.  

“The City of Hillsboro is a leader in creating more opportunities for people of all backgrounds to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing and in the semiconductor industry,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Programs like Portland Community College’s Quick Start and the Hillsboro School District’s youth apprenticeship program are already strengthening the workforce and helping students get good-paying jobs. The NSTC Workforce Alliance Grant would empower the city to expand these important and successful programs.”

The award for NSTC Workforce funding is anticipated to be announced in late September or early October of this year. 

Investing in workforce development is just one of the many ways the City of Hillsboro is supporting the community, the State, and the nation to reestablish America’s global leadership in advanced semiconductor design and manufacturing.