Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (TX) – Central Texas Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Report
Challenge
Central Texas is growing rapidly as a nationally recognized semiconductor and advanced manufacturing hub. Multiple firms, including NXP Semiconductor, Samsung, Applied Materials, AMD, and Tokyo Electron, have a significant presence in the region and additional investment is expected over the next decade. Along with the semiconductor industry’s expansion, the defense, aerospace, and automotive industries are amplifying advanced manufacturing growth. Not only are these investments in the sector expected to drive significant population increase, accelerating broad demand for workers across multiple sectors, but they are also expected to further constrain the talent supply for skilled technicians and related occupations.
Response
The Central Texas Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Report was intended to inform regional conversations about addressing employer demand, enhancing workforce readiness, and improving career pathways. Commissioned by Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA)—with guidance from the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association, Workforce Solutions Capital Area, and Opportunity Austin—the report sought to define the jobs, skillsets, and talent sources that underpin the sector regionally and to anticipate expected demand due to current and projected growth. The foundation for this work was an expanded analysis of job postings from more than 100 Central Texas employers in the sector covering a nearly six-year period. This customized report represents a deeper dive into a broader four-sector data study completed by TIP for WSRCA as part of a separate and concurrent engagement. Through this expanded job postings analysis, 24 in-demand occupations were identified, along with a group of unclassified positions. Reflecting employer feedback about common industry terminology, TIP grouped the top 24 occupations into two categories: Engineering & Professional and Technologist & Technician. TIP’s work was refined based on employer roundtables, which also identified several hard-to-find occupations that do not require a four-year degree but are difficult to hire, including CNC tool machinists, welders, equipment maintenance technicians, and assemblers. Along with pinpointing skills needs and challenges, TIP compiled an initial inventory of education and training assets in the sector, including existing programs and those in development. Coupled with key takeaways gained from the analysis and from a review of national best practices, the report provides a framework for partners to align regional strategies to build a stronger manufacturing talent pipeline.