The National Association of Manufacturers and the Manufacturing Institute today released the latest episode in the Creators Wanted series. The episode, “Chip In: Build a Career Making Your Favorite Technologies,” focused on the U.S. reaction to the nationwide semiconductor shortage and how American manufacturers are investing in chip-making capacity while embarking on a campaign to attract talent.
The United States produces just 12% of the world’s chips, compared to 37% in 1990. Due to the disruptions caused by the chip shortage during the pandemic, manufacturers are investing billions to shore up chip production and create well-paying jobs, noted NAM in a press release.
Ford Motor Co. and General Motors are among automakers that have pointed to critical semiconductor shortages as a cause for having to slow down production. The shortage has had a trickle-down effect in the supply chain.
The U.S. semiconductor industry is comprised of about 240,000 skilled workers. That number is expected to double in the next 10 years as manufacturers race to build capacity, stated the release.
“The growing reliance on technology in today’s modern economy requires a strong workforce of capable creators to maintain a reliable supply of critical components,” said MI Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “We hope this episode inspires our audience to seek out careers that help create the puzzle pieces that make our technology blink, beep, and buzz.”
Technology and manufacturing leaders featured in the episode highlight various issues related to the chip shortage. The featured speakers are:
- Stephanie Hall, director of Innovation Policy, National Association of Manufacturers
- Carla Lopez-Hodoyan, vice president of Sales and Commercial Operations, Greene Tweed
- Walid Ali, Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability, Microsoft
- Ajit Manocha, president and chief executive officer, SEMI
View the episode below, or stream it via the NAM’s YouTube channel, on live.creatorswanted.org.