NORDTECH’s 2nd Annual Workforce Development Summit Strengthens the Semiconductor Talent Pipeline
Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub (NORDTECH)’s 2nd Annual Workforce Development Summit, co-hosted by NY Creates & University at Albany, was a tremendous success!
Held October 2 at NY Creates’ Albany NanoTech Complex, the event brought together leaders, educators, and innovators to address workforce development challenges and explore strategies to fill the talent pipeline for future job creation.
Throughout the full-day summit, attendees engaged in meaningful discussions, shared best practices, and collaborated on solutions with a common focus: building the skilled workforce needed to drive the semiconductor industry forward.
The morning’s presentations and discussions spanned the general semiconductor ecosystem with an overview of NORDTECH workforce development programming, free content that is available to support related efforts, and collaborative opportunities, followed by a keynote address and panel discussion with audience Q&A.
In her keynote address, “Building the Future: Innovation and Inclusion in the U.S. Semiconductor Ecosystem,” Hui Peng Koh, Senior Vice President and General Manager of GlobalFoundries, New York, reviewed the importance of workforce development and GlobalFoundries’ wholistic approach. She also discussed the mindset change required to navigate the impacts of digital transformation and AI on the workforce.
A panel discussion, “Challenge and Opportunities for the US Semiconductor Workforce.” moderated by Bob Geer, Vice President for Education and Workforce Development, NY Creates, featured panelists:
Katy Crist, Director Workforce Development, Synopsys
Aimee Durfee, Vice President of Workforce Innovation, CenterState CEO
Christine McLear, Workforce Development Lead, GlobalFoundries
Chris White, Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development and Upward Mobility, SUNY
The all-star panel shared their experiences with the challenges and successes in building the talent pool. They encouraged everyone to partner early and often to solve shared challenges and celebrated centering collaboration over competition.
In addition, attendees had the opportunity to tour the NY Creates’ Albany NanoTech Complex with NY Creates Technical Director for NORDTECH, Dr. Nicholas Fahrenkopf, and Associate Technical Director, Alin Antohe. To kick off the afternoon Heather McDaniel, Chief Economic Development Officer at the Center for Economic Growth, offered an overview of the NORDTECH Workforce Development Needs Assessment report methodology, findings, and recommendations to address an estimated 27% priority occupation shortfall in 2030. The Assessment covering both broader industry and also Department of War (DOW) needs marked a natural transition to a more defense-focused session in the afternoon.
Emily Heckman, Photonics Technology Area Lead, AFRL Sensors Directorate, offered a defense-centered keynote address, “From Red Tape to Red Alert: Accelerating America's Innovation Engine,” highlighting government-specific workforce needs, including building a robust Ph.D. pipeline and the ability to receive a security clearance. She stressed the importance of inviting students and early career professionals into the lab for hands-on training and mentoring.
The summit’s second panel discussion, “Critical Issues for Defense Microelectronics Workforce,” moderated by Todd Humiston, Chief Talent Officer, Griffiss Institute, continued the theme, with panelists:
Marc Angelucci, Sr. Principal Member Engineering Staff, Senior Technical Fellow, Lockheed Martin
Rebecca Lewis, Director of Workforce Development, NextFlex
Vipul Patel, Senior Business Development Executive, AGI | part of Synopsys
The panel noted challenges in building awareness and attracting talent into government roles and echoed Emily Heckman’s call to engage the early talent pipeline and offer them rewarding career opportunities.
Right on cue, four students of NORDTECH workforce development programming took the stage to share their experiences, interests, and aspirations. One student, Katie Ziegler, from the Hudson Valley Community College RPI Semiconductor Scholars program talked about her initial lack of awareness of semiconductor careers, followed by her skeptical curiosity.
Katie credited the NORDTECH supported program’s mentoring and hands on learning as key drivers leading her to pursue an engineering degree at RPI on her path to a microelectronics career. To conclude the day, participants enjoyed a poster presentation session highlighting NORDTECH hub efforts and a networking reception.
It was energizing to connect with so many passionate leaders who showcased how education, industry, and government are working together to grow the semiconductor talent pipeline. Collaboration drives progress, and NORDTECH is glad to see the momentum building across New York’s microelectronics ecosystem!
Interested in getting involved? NORDTECH is actively seeking collaborations with semiconductor companies, foundations, schools, and organizations that share our passion for high-tech workforce development. Discover opportunities for engagement and access free educational content here