RPI summit addressing microchip worker shortage

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — If you're into the humanities you may be wondering what microchips aka semiconductors do. It's the basic building block for modern technologies like ATMs, planes, and AI. There's a worker shortage in that industry, and RPI is trying to bridge that gap through a NORDTECH program.

Instead of Silicon Valley, graduate student Dan Fiumara can stay in Rensselaer County. That’s because a workforce development summit — held at his school, RPI — is bringing him and fellow students up close with professionals in the microchip industry. 

“I want to stay as close to my family as possible. I love them, and so knowing that I have so many opportunities here is really a big relief for me," said Fiumara.

The event on Thursday was held in collaboration with NORDTECH. John Iacoponi represents New York Creates which sponsors the summit.

“We're bringing funds directly to RPI and other schools that I mentioned to provide internship opportunities or fund some of their research activities for hands-on experiential training in the semiconductor industry,” Iacoponi

This is a full-circle endeavor for the RPI alumni. 

“I have deep personal and family connections back here at RPI. But I am curious by nature and I just love this exciting technology,” said Iacoponi.

Again, the point of the program is to address the CHIPS/semiconductor student shortage which Professor James Lu says is widespread in the US.

“Almost 100,000 people...Globally we probably have a shortage of 1 million people” Lu explained.

But why is this happening? Fiumara says it’s his generation’s lack of awareness of the technology that powers their everyday devices.

"But there's this whole world of technology beneath that that makes all that possible and it's less visible to you as a user of the technology and so I think it's almost an awareness issue," said Fiumara.

Professor Lu reassured NEWS10 that the program has been growing and students are finding jobs.