Idaho Technology Council Awarded Anticipated $1.2 M through

 NSTC Workforce Partner Alliance Program




Natcast award will support an innovative workforce development program in Idaho to close

critical workforce and skills gaps across the U.S. semiconductor industry

 

For immediate release:

Boise, Idaho, September 26, 2024 – Idaho Technology Council today announced it has been selected as an anticipated National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) Workforce Partner Alliance (WFPA) program awardee. The $1,263,720 in anticipated funding will enable the Idaho Technology Council (ITC) to lead a transformative workforce development program in Idaho aimed at closing critical workforce and skills gaps across the U.S. semiconductor industry.

 

The WFPA program is administered by Natcast, the purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the NSTC consortium, established by the CHIPS and Science Act of the U.S. government. On September 25, 2024, Natcast announced $11.5 million in anticipated total WFPA awards coinciding with the launch of the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence (WCoE).

 

"The anticipated WFPA funding will create opportunities for thousands of students, educators, and professionals to join the U.S. semiconductor workforce, supplying employers with in-demand talent and solidifying the U.S. as a leader in this vital industry,” said Michael Barnes, senior manager of workforce development programs at Natcast. "By investing in transformative programs like Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII), we’re ensuring that American workers are equipped with the skills necessary to compete in the global semiconductor market.”

 

The anticipated funding will support the Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII), a program designed to provide supportive services to approximately 430 individuals across the State of Idaho as they enroll, progress in, and complete a training program leading to employment in the semiconductor industry in Idaho. Training opportunities are provided by our grantees in all six regions of the state. These programs meet the need for training opportunities, but many Idahoans need support to complete these programs and move into employment. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding has remained stationary in comparison to rampant inflation in recent years, creating a gap for many Idahoans. To close this gap, we plan to scale the impact of our semiconductor education and training programs by providing wraparound supports for participants in the key areas of child/dependent care, transportation, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and housing support.

 

This program is expected to prepare over 400 for careers in the semiconductor industry over the next two years, making a significant impact on the industry’s workforce development ecosystem and contributing to U.S. leadership in semiconductor technology. Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII) was one of seven programs selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 100 submitted proposals to receive anticipated WFPA funding.

 

“We are honored to be selected by Natcast to be a part of this vital national initiative,” Diane Bevan, ITC President and CEO. “Through the Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII), we will support industry professionals with the necessary skills to succeed in semiconductor-related fields. Working alongside our industry, academic, and community partners, this investment will have a lasting effect on the U.S. semiconductor workforce ecosystem and help the country meet the evolving demands of this rapidly growing and critical sector. While many of our partners already employ methods to serve historically underrepresented and underserved communities, the Idaho Technology Council, through the EASII program will maximize the program’s accessibility to those who need it most.”

 

 

As part of the initiative, Idaho Technology Council will continue to develop its outreach within the ecosystem as a leader in collaboration and engagement. This industry-driven approach will provide participants with valuable opportunities for employment and career advancement in the semiconductor industry and help employers fill critical workforce needs. In partnership with the Idaho Workforce Development Council and leveraging existing relationships within Idaho’s workforce ecosystem EASII will support participants’ co-enrollment in appropriate workforce programs, which may include, WIOA programs, Vocational Rehabilitation, veterans support services, or other services as identified. Co-enrollment will help us to provide true wraparound support, covering as many of our participants’ needs as possible for as long as possible

 

“As Chair of the Idaho Technology Council Board of Trustees, I am deeply grateful for the collaboration between the ITC and the Idaho Workforce Development Council, which has led to the award of the National Semiconductor Technology Center Workforce Partner Alliance grant, said Reid Stephan, St. Luke’s Health System. This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to advancing workforce development and building a robust talent pipeline for Idaho's growing tech ecosystem. Together, we are ensuring Idaho remains a leader in innovation, creating quality, high-paying jobs and equipping our workforce to meet the challenges of the semiconductor industry and beyond.”

 

“Congratulations to the Idaho Technology Council (ITC) for being recognized as a Natcast Workforce Partner Alliance awardee. For many years, the ITC has been a leader in Idaho’s technology ecosystem success and promoting the growth of the semiconductor industry. Micron applauds the ITC’s latest program, Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII), which will help open access to careers in the semiconductor industry to individuals from all backgrounds,” said April Arnzen, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Micron.

 

“The Idaho Workforce Development Council is thrilled to support the Idaho Technology Council in implementing the Workforce Partner Alliance Program. Our efforts to align access to training in the semiconductor industry are enhanced by this grant which will remove barriers to completing training. It’s a win-win for Idahoans and the industry!” Wendi Secrist, Executive Director, Idaho Workforce Development Council.

 

 

The WFPA program is the first of several anticipated workforce program funding opportunities to be offered through the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence. With a $250 million investment from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the WCoE will lead collaborative efforts with NSTC consortium members to drive innovation and significantly bolster the U.S. semiconductor workforce development ecosystem to strengthen America’s national security, economy, and global competitiveness.

 

To learn more about the Idaho Technology Council and the Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII), visit www.IdahoTechCouncil.org .

 

To learn more about the NSTC Workforce Partner Alliance program, the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence, or other workforce funding opportunities, please visit www.natcast.org/workforce.


White House announcement: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2024/09/biden-harris-administration-launches-nstc-workforce-center-excellence


 

###

ABOUT IDAHO TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) is the industry voice driving innovation in the state of Idaho. The ITC is a member driven organization; committed to the success of Idaho’s technology ecosystem and leading Idaho to a knowledge-based economy. The primary initiatives of the ITC are focused on the continued growth of innovation, transforming Idaho’s future around Talent, Access to Capital, and R&D/Commercialization. The ITC is instrumental in building advocacy needed to persuade legislators and private industry to invest in high return initiatives that are necessary to propel new companies forward, along with retention and growth with existing companies.

 

ABOUT NATCAST 

Natcast is the purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), established by the CHIPS and Science Act of the U.S. government. The NSTC is a public-private consortium dedicated to semiconductor R&D in the United States. It convenes the U.S. government, allied and partner nations, and organizations across the semiconductor ecosystem—including academia and businesses of all kinds—to address the most challenging barriers to continued technological progress in the domestic semiconductor industry, including the need for a capable workforce. The NSTC reflects a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the U.S. to drive the pace of innovation, set standards, and re-establish global leadership in semiconductor design and manufacturing. Learn more at www.natcast.org.

 

Email: info@idahotechcouncil.org

Website:  https://www.idahotechcouncil.org/

 

Meet Jillana Finnegan

7 May 2025
Introducing: Jillana Finnegan, Executive Director of Strategic Projects, College of Western Idaho Describe the business/organization you work for: College of Western Idaho opened its doors as the Treasure Valley's first community college in 2007. Today, we serve over 30,000 students annually. CWI serves community members at any stage of life's path with these educational programs: Dual Credit: Get a head start on your college education, explore your interests, and save time and money while in high school. Academic Transfer: Build the right foundation for a career pathway or to transfer by earning an associate degree. Career & Technical: Engage in fast-paced, hands-on, and focused training to gain the competitive edge employers are seeking. Workforce Development: Rapidly acquire career-focused skills to facilitate employment, retrain, or advance in your career. Adult Education: Gain life-changing, essential skills to reach your goals and succeed, such as completing a GED or improving literacy skills. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? CWI change's the trajectory of lives for generations to come. We offer: Open, affordable access unparalleled in the Treasure Valley. Student-centered commitment, adapting to meet students where they are. Career-oriented outcomes to provide students a competitive edge. Share something you love about Idaho, or a specific community you serve, or any special projects you would like to share with our followers, or even something specific you love or want to share about the company you represent. CWI students are the most hardworking and tenacious I have ever met. They are from all walks and stages of life. There is no typical CWI student, except that most are managing multiple responsibilities and challenges that could easily make them quit on their education. Instead, it seems to fuel their determination to continue. What inspired you to join the ITC? The two strategic projects I am leading right now are related to growing the tech workforce. I support our partnership with Micron to train more technicians and am the chair of CWI's AI Committee. Both projects have given me insights into the challenges and opportunities of building the workforce we need right now and predicting what will be needed in the future. I am inspired by ITC's mission to connect the tech community, because I know how vital collaborative and coordinated efforts will be to our success as a State. What are you looking forward to the most about serving as a board member of the ITC? I am looking forward to building relationships with other members and finding opportunities to collaborate. What do you like to do in your free time, or anything else you would like to share with our network? Like most Idahoans, I like to spend my free time with my family, friends, and dogs; ideally enjoying Idaho's beautiful outdoors. Connect with Jillana on LinkedIn HERE Check out CWI on their website HERE

Meet Nathan Foss

7 May 2025
Introducing: Nathan Foss, Account Executive, Lightcast Describe the business/organization you work for: Lightcast connects people with jobs by providing businesses, communities, and education institutions with the best labor market data possible. Our data-driven insight enables better, faster decisions. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? Lightcast prides itself in having the most robust selection of labor market data while also having the most accurate on the market. We combine traditional government labor market information with proprietary real-time labor market information to better understand where there are gaps in the workforce in terms of people, education, certifications, skills and much more. Share something you love about Idaho, or a specific community you serve, or any special projects you would like to share with our followers, or even something specific you love or want to share about the company you represent. Lightcast is proud to be headquartered in Moscow, ID. Being located in Idaho provides unique opportunities and advantages for our business. In Moscow, we are able to have direct access to both the University of Idaho as well as Washington State University. This gives us a chance to cultivate our talent from the ground up, as well as help us grow the region by keeping our students local instead of them having to move out of state for a job. We have partnered with a variety of groups across Idaho to help grow our economy. Some of these groups include the Idaho Technology Council, Idaho Department of Commerce, Idaho Department of Labor, Inland Northwest Partners, and many more.  What inspired you to join the ITC? As a quickly growing data company in Idaho, we are always looking for new connections throughout the state. The ITC provides opportunities to network with other tech companies, get to know our market and region, and learn about potential new partners. What do you like to do in your free time, or anything else you would like to share with our network? I am an avid golfer, and am always looking for some good competition. I believe at this point, I have played a large majority of the courses in Boise, so if you are ever looking for recommendations or some friendly competition, reach out! Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn HERE Check out Lightcast on their website HERE

ITC Hosts State of Technology Annual Event

by Diane Bevan • 7 May 2025
ITC Hosts Annual Gathering for the State of Technology event.