US expands semiconductor workforce through Louisiana Tech network and Intel's SEPP program

Louisiana Tech University has joined the National Network for Microelectronics’s South Region Node, a collaboration led by the University of Texas at Austin that brings together a dozen higher‑education institutions, community colleges and trade schools. Director Arden Moore said the partnership will share training materials and exercises to prepare technicians and engineers for semiconductor fabrication facilities.

Intel has launched the Semiconductor Education Pathways Program (SEPP), a $‑funded effort to build a talent pipeline from K‑12 through post‑secondary education in key U.S. semiconductor regions. SEPP supports initiatives in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio and Oregon, focusing on STEM and career‑technical education, hands‑on learning, curriculum development, faculty training and graduate scholarships. Both programs aim to strengthen the United States’ semiconductor manufacturing competitiveness by expanding the skilled workforce needed for microelectronics production.