The University of Texas at Dallas has been chosen to direct significant workforce development efforts within the National Network for Microelectronics Education South Regional Node. This selection positions the institution at the center of regional strategies to train technicians and engage employers as semiconductor manufacturers increase their presence in North Texas and across the United States.
UT Dallas will expand an existing consortium dedicated to semiconductor technician training. The group currently includes Collin College, Dallas College, Grayson College, Tarrant County College, and Murray State College in Oklahoma. The University of Texas at Arlington functions as an independent evaluator for the consortium. Additionally, the university will lead employer engagement activities throughout the NNME South region.
The NNME South initiative is eligible for up to $20 million in funding over five years. It is supported by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Commerce Department, and the SEMI Foundation. UT Austin leads the broader NNME South effort, which covers Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Dr. Ted Moise, director of the North Texas Semiconductor Institute at UT Dallas, noted that the reshoring of semiconductor manufacturing and the expansion of artificial intelligence are driving demand for advanced manufacturing expertise. He expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with industry and academic partners to build a workforce equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.
The semiconductor industry is projected to add 115,000 new jobs by 2030, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association. Moise estimated that 29,000 of these positions will be located within the NNME South region. Technicians constitute the largest category of workforce shortages, with many positions offering competitive starting salaries and accessible through community college certificate programs.
Companies such as Texas Instruments, GlobalWafers America, Coherent Corp, and FormFactor are accelerating investments in North Texas. Since its launch in 2023, the North Texas Semiconductor Institute has led workforce development efforts with support from the U.S. Department of Education. The institute has reached nearly 60,000 prospective students through job fairs and recruiting events over the past three years.