How CRE leaders can help win the battle for frontline tech talent 

While the U.S. has been a leader when it comes to semiconductor design and innovation, the manufacturing of chips is often outsourced abroad, largely to countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Increasing the domestic semiconductor manufacturing capacity is a priority for both economic and national security reasons, but the U.S. faces an obstacle in the form of a shortage of qualified production workers. 

One provision of the CHIPS and Science Act, CHIPS Incentives Program, includes $39 billion in incentives to build, expand or modernize semiconductor facilities and equipment. Under that provision, roughly $200 million in appropriated resources will support a Workforce and Training Fund. The law also authorizes $13 billion for STEM education and workforce development, to be spent by the National Science Foundation. Partnerships between manufacturers and local municipalities, community colleges and trade school programs will also be key to building the talent pool. 

CRE leaders can support the industry’s efforts to upskill frontline workers (and reskill workers from other fields) in several ways, including dedicated training spaces within or near manufacturing facilities. In addition, manufacturing spaces need to be equipped with robust IT infrastructure to support advanced technologies and training programs, including high-speed internet, data centers and reliable power supply. 

Key Takeaways:

• Frontline Tech Talent is Critical: The increasing demand for semiconductors requires manufacturers to ramp up production and attract skilled frontline workers for operational excellence.
• Invest in the Employee Experience: To attract and retain talent, tech companies must invest in positive work environments beyond just labs and clean rooms.
• Amenities Matter: Properties should offer amenities like on-site childcare, fitness centers, and collaborative spaces to attract workers.
• Upskilling and Training are Essential: Partnerships between manufacturers, local municipalities, and trade schools are key to building the talent pool; CRE leaders can support this by providing dedicated training spaces.
• Location Decisions are Key: Facilities should be located near trade schools and colleges for easier access to skilled workers, considering factors like housing starts and cost of living.

To learn more about how JLL can help you optimize your real estate strategy in this demanding ecosystem, visit https://www.jll.com/en-de/industries/technology.