FAQs

Etch is a statewide Florida initiative focused on advancing the semiconductor industry by providing talent with opportunities and resources to engage and enter the semiconductor workforce. Backed by industry and education leaders, the Etch network allows people to get involved and to be connected with employers and decision-makers with advanced experience in the field.

The Florida Semiconductor Engine is a powerful foundation of Florida’s semiconductor growth, fueling innovation, collaboration, and economic growth across the state. By collaborating with industry leaders, local governments, and educational institutions, FSE is helping to position Florida as a leader in the industry, increasing jobs and other opportunities across the state.

Etch was established to provide students, parents, educators, veterans, job seekers, and employers with the necessary connections and resources to further advance and contribute to the semiconductor industry across Florida. As companies grow and expand in Florida, the workforce demand is also growing rapidly. Etch aims to be a resource for those looking to find a rewarding, high-demand career and for employers searching for hardworking, skilled employees to join their workforce. This connection between employers and talent will help to expand semiconductor businesses by providing the necessary workforce.

Etch is powered by a coalition of leading organizations driving innovation, education, and workforce development in Florida’s semiconductor industry.

Florida Semiconductor Institute (FSI): A key research and educational hub advancing semiconductor materials, manufacturing techniques, and sustainable practices, while aligning workforce programs with industry needs.

Florida Semiconductor Engine (FSE): Provides strategic funding and leadership to grow Florida’s semiconductor workforce, fostering collaboration among industry, government, and education partners.

Florida Advanced Technological Education Center (FLATE): A National Science Foundation Center of Excellence supporting advanced manufacturing education, resources, and partnerships across Florida’s state and community colleges.

CareerSource Central Florida: Connects talent with opportunity through training, certification, and partnerships, helping individuals build careers and strengthening Central Florida’s high-demand industries.

Together, these partners provide the innovation, resources, and support that make Etch possible and position Florida as a leader in semiconductor education and workforce development.

By partnering with Etch, you have the opportunity to help shape the future of the semiconductor workforce in Florida. By sharing events, resources, and articles with Etch, you can make tech careers more accessible and connected to the industry. With opportunities for recognition, you can also increase brand visibility and be seen by hundreds of industry professionals, making a true impact in the industry.

There are many opportunities for collaboration in Etch! We strive on industry contribution, and from article posts to large-scale events, there are many opportunities to lend a helping hand in training, mentoring, and other initiatives across the state and nation. Visit our Ongoing Initiatives page to discover upcoming opportunities or our Articles page to apply to be a guest author to share your unique insight within the industry.

There are many unique opportunities within the industry, all with varying requirements of education and training. Engineering within the semiconductor industry can be extremely rewarding and technologically involved, focusing on designing, creating, and optimizing. Manufacturing and production careers are essential, acting as the backbone of the semiconductor production process, and are perfect for people focused on operations. Research and development is a fulfilling field, offering creativity, exploration, and innovation, typically creating the cutting-edge products that influence our world and industries today.

Yes, internships and apprenticeships are available in Florida’s semiconductor sector through programs supported by the Florida Semiconductor Institute (FSI) and its partners. These include paid internships for students at various educational levels, offering hands-on experience in manufacturing and technology. Apprenticeship programs like Apprentice Florida and GAINS provide earn-while-you-learn opportunities that combine practical training with industry-recognized credentials. Connect with us to learn more.

Florida ranks 5th in the US for semiconductor manufacturing jobs (12,900 jobs), and 3rd for establishments. There are currently around 18,000 jobs in the industry, and it is projected to grow about 25% to 23,000 by 2030. There is particularly strong demand for technicians and engineers.

• Technicians: Certifications (IPC, SACA), associate degrees (Engineering Tech, Mechatronics).
• Engineers/Design: Bachelor’s in EE, materials science, chemical engineering, physics; graduate certificates in semiconductor engineering/technology management.

FSI’s 2024 Analysis of Pre-Baccalaureate Workforce for Florida’s Semiconductor Industry report compared industry-required skills (77 skills) with CTE curricula, identifying gaps and aligning training accordingly. Partnerships ensure up-to-date, competency-based certification and curriculum.

The State of Florida has invested over $400 million in semiconductor development across all levels, building a comprehensive supply chain that spans from K–12 education through Ph.D. programs. Florida currently ranks third in the number of semiconductor establishments and fifth in total semiconductor-related jobs. In 2024, the National Science Foundation funded the launch of the Florida Semiconductor Engine, which focuses on key priorities such as advanced packaging, the development of state-of-the-art laboratories (including facilities at NeoCity), cutting-edge research, and robust workforce development pipelines.

In 2022, the manufacturing sector in Florida, including semiconductor production, contributed $73 billion to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP). The semiconductor industry alone accounted for approximately 12,900 jobs across the state. Beyond its economic impact, the sector also plays a critical role in strengthening Florida’s defense, space, and aerospace supply chains.

Key trends shaping the semiconductor industry in Florida include advancements in packaging technologies and heterogeneous systems integration. There is also a growing emphasis on automation, the expansion of cleanroom cooperative education programs, and the integration of photonics into manufacturing processes. Rapid upskilling through intensive bootcamps is becoming more common, and educational institutions are increasingly aligning K–20 curricula to meet the evolving demands of the semiconductor workforce.

You can get involved by attending an Etch event, joining a training program, or signing up for the Etch Talent Network, powered by GoGig, to get connected to job opportunities.

Please contact us at via our connect form for more information about training programs or partnerships.

Please visit https://semiconductorengine.org/ for more information about the Florida Semiconductor Engine.

Please contact us at info@etchworkforce.org for more information about how your company can partner with Etch on internships or workforce development programs.