Federal funding will boost specialized ACC chip lab [Video]

AUSTIN, Texas – The semiconductor industry, over the next five years, is expected to start ramping up the manufacture of much-needed American-made computer chips. But a labor shortage is also predicted, exceeding 140,000 people.

The labor shortage has training centers ramping up, like the Advanced Manufacturing Lab located at the Austin Community College Highland Campus. It’s part of a partnership with Austin chipmaker NXP Semiconductors.

“The future of semiconductor manufacturing depends on a vibrant, diverse and skilled workforce. Collaborations and partnerships are key to fostering this workforce,” said Brendan Greenwood with NXP.

The lab opened last fall and is set for an upgrade. The $1.5 million in federal funding to do the upgrade was announced Thursday by U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin).

“This means more equipment for more students to fill the worker shortage that we have in the technology industry. If we’re to keep growing here and see our technology industry expand, we have to …