Guest Post by Deb Newberry
Image Credit: Daniel Abadia via Unsplash.
The pace of change in the semiconductor industry is nothing short of astonishing. This “freight train of change” impacts every aspect of the ecosystem—from how electrical circuits are designed (think AI and quantum computing) to the advent of multi-layered circuits enclosed in a single package. Each technological leap reshapes what the workforce must know and what educators must teach to prepare students for this rapidly evolving field.
A Changing Landscape: New Materials, Processes, and Demands
At the core of these advancements lie breakthroughs not only in circuit design but also in the very materials used to manufacture semiconductors. While silicon and gallium arsenide remain foundational, materials like carbon nanotubes, graphene, tellurium, and molybdenum are emerging as key players.
These advancements are driven by equipment manufacturers who continue to push the boundaries of operational capabilities and refine parametric constraints to meet the demands of smaller, faster, and more efficient chips. Workforce development agencies around the USA are diligently working to keep up with these advancements, as are educators who must adapt teaching methods to live in the ripple effect of so much change.
The Education System’s Critical Role
The semiconductor industry’s success hinges on an agile and adaptive education system. Educators must guide students to a deep understanding of emerging physics, chemistry, and materials science concepts while introducing them to the complexities of semiconductor devices and fabrication. Beyond simply teaching technical content, they must inspire curiosity and prepare students to thrive in an industry of continuous change.
The need for flexibility in the education system itself compounds this challenge. Administrative hurdles and lengthy review processes often bog down curriculum updates. To truly meet industry needs, educators need the freedom to:
- Quickly incorporate new topics like carbon nanotube-based fabrication or AI-driven circuit design.
- Deliver hands-on training in cleanroom protocols and advanced testing techniques.
- Experiment with new teaching methods and delivery approaches tailored to complex content.
The stakes are high. Only by giving educators the tools, training, and support to respond swiftly and effectively can a workforce be created capable of steering this “freight train” of technological advancement.
Educator Challenges
I’m about to “preach to the choir.”
Educators live in a state of “unprecedented” change. That word gets bandied about often, but the reality is that teachers must not only teach but constantly and continually learn. Educators must grasp these concepts before introducing students to advanced materials or processes. This dual burden—learning and teaching—is intensified by the steep learning curve of entirely new technologies like extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography or chiplet architectures.
Additional challenges include:
- Keeping Pace: We must find ways to help educators stay ahead when the knowledge landscape shifts constantly.
- Building Partnerships: We need strong connections between community college faculty and industry professionals. That will also provide more access to new tools and better resources.
- Systemic Barriers: Administrative requirements and funding constraints often slow the adoption of updated curricula (from the above two points), leaving gaps between industry needs and educational efforts.
Saying Yes to Change: The Only Way Forward
Change is hard. It’s uncomfortable, messy, and sometimes feels impossible in the face of overwhelming challenges. But if there’s one thing I know, it’s this: educators are some of the most resilient, adaptable, and resourceful people. Many have already stepped up—learning new content, experimenting with their teaching, and doing whatever it takes to prepare students for a fast-changing semiconductor industry.
The good news? Educators aren’t in this alone. Industry leaders are ready to lend a hand, offering partnerships, funding, and hands-on training opportunities to help bridge the gap between what’s needed and what’s possible. Together, we can tackle this. But we have to be willing to say “yes”—not cautiously but with confidence and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
So, where do we start?
- Empower Educators: Give them the time, resources, and professional development opportunities they need to stay ahead of emerging technologies. They can’t teach what they don’t know—let’s make sure they have the know-how.
- Streamline Curriculum Updates: Cut through the red tape. Make it easier for educators to update and adapt their courses to respond to industry needs as they arise. We don’t have time to wait.
- Strengthen Partnerships: Build meaningful relationships between schools and industry. Let’s create a space where companies share what they need in their workforce, and educators translate that into real-world skills for students.
- Encourage Innovation: Give educators the freedom to experiment. Whether using AR/VR to simulate cleanroom training or AI tools to teach circuit design, new approaches can make all the difference in preparing students for the future.
The train is already moving. The semiconductor industry isn’t slowing down, and neither should we. It’s time to get on board—not with hesitation, but with purpose and vision.
It Starts With Yes
The semiconductor industry’s future—and that of so many connected fields—depends on what we do today. And the truth is that educators are at the very heart of this transformation. Saying “yes” to change, collaboration, and bold ideas isn’t optional anymore—it’s necessary. In a future post, I’ll be sharing ideas for helping educators learn “faster.”
But that “yes” has to mean something. It’s not just a word. It’s action. It’s support.
Yes is breaking away from the comfort of “the way we’ve always done things” and trying something new, even if it feels risky. This rethinking is what true teaching looks like and how we can best prepare students for the opportunities waiting for them.
This isn’t just about keeping up. It’s about leading the way. The train is moving fast, but we can ensure everyone’s ready for the ride. Let’s say “yes” to change, and let’s mean it.
Learn more about Deb and her work in advanced technology.
