Semiconductor Industry

Challenge: Minnesota’s semiconductor industry is positioned for growth but faces severe and growing workforce shortages across key occupations.

Employers project significant hiring needs for technicians, engineers, operators, and industrial production managers, yet the state’s education and training programs are not producing enough graduates to meet demand. Award gaps in critical programs, combined with already low applicant volumes, create immediate risks to expansion plans. GreaterMSP and industry partners needed a clear, data-driven picture of workforce strengths, shortages, and opportunities to prepare for state and federal CHIPS funding.

Solution

GreaterMSP engaged Stratasight to conduct a comprehensive Talent Supply and Demand Gap Analysis of Minnesota’s semiconductor industry. Stratasight developed baseline forecasts, modeled expansion scenarios, and compared projected talent demand with anticipated supply from higher education programs and workforce pipelines. Using a modified Origin-to-Gateway-to-Target Occupation model, RTT mapped career pathways into core semiconductor occupations and identified the most critical education and reskilling gaps. The report highlighted both immediate shortages and long-term workforce strategies needed to sustain and grow the industry.

Results

The analysis provided a clear view of Minnesota’s workforce readiness and highlighted the urgency of coordinated action across education, workforce, and industry partners. The report helped position Minnesota employers—including Polar Semiconductor and SkyWater Technology—to successfully secure major CHIPS grants for facility modernization and expansion. Employers and policymakers now have actionable insights to guide talent pipeline development, reduce award gaps, and strengthen recruitment and retention strategies. With this foundation, Minnesota is better prepared to sustain its semiconductor industry and compete nationally.