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    Biden has big plans for semiconductors. But there's a big hole: not enough workers

    President Biden has $52.7 billion to invest in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing plants. But there's a big shortfall in workers for the new jobs.
    by Asma Khalid Dec 19, 2023 5 minutes
    Brad Gist, 30, works with Liam Levinson, 28, during a lab for a 10-day semiconductor course at Chandler Gilbert Community College in Mesa, Ariz., on Oct. 11, 2023.

    Liam Levinson spent the past few years working in restaurant kitchens where he says "they work you to the bone" for not enough pay. So, when the 28-year-old came across an article in a tech magazine about a potential boom in Arizona semiconductor jobs, he was intrigued.

    "It involves two elements I'm very comfortable with," said Levinson. "I'm very tech savvy and I've also been in the restaurant industry, which is just hands-on work for long periods of time."

    So, he signed up for a 10-day boot camp at Chandler Gilbert Community College in Mesa, Ariz., a crash course aimed at quickly training thousands of new entry-level semiconductor technicians.

    It's one of over 50 community college programs that have sprung up around the nation, responding a boom in the industry connected to President Biden signing the CHIPS and into law last year.

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