Virginia states case for semiconductors
Virginia Alliance for Semiconductor Technology is launched.
At the opening of the CHIPS for Virginia Summit at Northrop Grumman’s headquarter on July 18th, Governor Glenn Youngkin and U.S. Senator Mark Warner participated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding to officially launch the Virginia Alliance for Semiconductor Technology, or VAST. Building on the momentum of the country’s burgeoning semiconductor industry as a result of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, Virginia announced the new initiative in April to foster a semiconductor industry workforce pipeline and attract semiconductor manufacturing projects to the Commonwealth.
Led by Virginia Tech and in partnership with University of Virginia, George Mason University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Norfolk State University, and Northern Virginia Community College, VAST is funded by a $3.3 million grant from the state’s GO Virginia economic development initiative.
The initiative will create three 10-week Fast Track to Semiconductor Careers certificate programs: Chip Fabrication and Nano Characterization, Semiconductor Packaging and Characterization, and Semiconductor Equipment Maintenance and Repair. VAST expects to enroll about 300 students per year, with veterans and underserved communities receiving preference, beginning in spring 2024. During the two-year grant period, VAST aims to train 600 adult learners, award 550 certificates, and create up to 100 internships.
With the help of VAST, Virginia’s colleges and universities will develop the skilled workforce necessary to revive domestic manufacturing of chips.
“We are answering the call to innovation, and it starts with talent,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin.
“Strong university partnerships, strategic programs and an ongoing talent pipeline are critical to be competitive in recruiting in this industry,” Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) President and CEO Jason El Koubi said. “VAST will be a distinctive and compelling asset to market as we continue to aggressively pursue this dynamic and growing sector.”
