One of the most pressing needs in the industry, across job functions, is access to quality talent. As such, workforce development must be a major priority of this initiative, both in attracting new talent to the industry through traditional academic pipelines, and encouraging talented workforce to migrate to the industry from other industries.
The EDI2 workforce development first-in-nation initiative will be led by SUNY Adirondack. It is anticipated that SUNYAdirondack will develop academic programs, specialized training programs, and outreach programs.
These could include:
- A new associate degree program in electronic design, developed with the support of EDA companies to develop materials and content, and train teachers;
- A bridge program for mid-career and returning veterans to transition unrelated academic backgrounds (e.g. Biology) and career experience into pragmatic design knowledge to enter the workforce;
- An aggressive outreach program within K-14 student population to drive awareness of career opportunities and necessary skill sets in STEM, advanced electronics and design industry sectors.
While most design workforce currently is made up of bachelor or master degree level workers, the potential for an associate degree/technician program under the guidance of industry experts, could vastly increase availability and cost of workforce in the industry.
Additionally, this workforce development effort will be closely aligned with industry partners and the EDI2 Education Coalition as they tackle this effort.