Partnership to offer unique workforce experiences, insight into
growing fields and opportunities, as well as connection to
collegiate and industry partners
HOBOKEN,
N.J., June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/
-- Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L) and its Connections Academy,
the fully online public school program serving K-12 students,
announced today a strategic partnership with the SEMI Foundation,
the 501(c)(3) arm of SEMI, a global industry association
representing the electronics manufacturing, semiconductor, and
design supply chain market. The partnership with the SEMI
Foundation, which leads the association's global workforce
development and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives,
offers Connections Academy students, families, and educators'
insight, connections and opportunities in these rapidly growing
fields.
As well as building awareness and interest in the semiconductor
industry, the partnership with the SEMI Foundation will provide
access to programs and opportunities, including internships,
apprenticeships and scholarships for students, educators, and
families. There will also be exploration of career technical
education training and digital badging for experiences with the
SEMI Foundation, whose programs are informed by more than 3,000
member companies worldwide.
The semiconductor industry, which fuels a wide range of products
in almost every sector-- from computers and smartphones to cars,
factory equipment and appliances--is projected to grow nearly 80%
to 460,000 workers needed by 2030 in the United States.
Significant federal funding is being allocated towards the effort
to close this workforce gap. Over the next 20 years in the U.S.,
there will be a $350B+ investment from projects that have been
launched via the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce
Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act.
"Businesses in the semiconductor industry are developing
strategies to engage early talent in response to massive and
increasing demand in the sector," said Casey Welch, Vice President for Career in
Pearson's virtual learning division. "Pearson is proud to
partner with SEMI to help close this workforce gap by providing
students, families, and educators in Connections Academy schools
and the broader K-12 community with the important connections and
experiences needed to pave their way to meaningful opportunities in
the industry's diverse businesses."
"A strong workforce is crucial in ensuring the success of
investments made through the CHIPS and Science Act. New and
expanded semiconductor facilities across the U.S. will require a
growing number of technicians, engineers, project managers, as well
as non-technical staff to truly fulfill the promise of a
strengthened domestic semiconductor industry," said Shari Liss, Executive Director of the SEMI
Foundation. "This partnership with Pearson's Connections
Academy will help inform the next generation of the variety of
career opportunities the CHIPS and Science Act offers, and it will
better prepare students to enter a high-tech industry that
continues to be foundational to the modern world."
The partnership with the SEMI Foundation is part of Connections
Academy's expanded slate of college and career readiness
offerings for middle and high school students. Launched in
spring 2023, the initiatives offer an innovative new tri-credit
approach where courses can deliver high school credit,
industry-recognized micro-credentials, and eligibility for college
credit toward over 150 U.S. bachelor's degree programs.
About the SEMI Foundation
The SEMI Foundation's mission is to support economic opportunity
for workers and the sustained growth of the microelectronics
industry through creating pathways and opportunities for job
seekers, and tools and systems for semiconductor companies to
attract, develop, retain, and advance a diverse and skilled
workforce. Founded in 2001 as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, the
Foundation's first two decades were focused on experiential STEM
programs for high school students globally. In the last few years,
Foundation programs have expanded dramatically with more than a
dozen distinct workforce development initiatives grounded in
diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The Foundation
leverages its robust networks and partnerships to serve jobseekers
and influence equitable recruitment, hiring, retention, and
advancement on local, regional, national, and global
levels.
About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of
learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance
for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson
employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning
experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's
leading learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries
with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For
us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at
pearsonplc.com.
Media Contact
Joyce.davis@pearson.com
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SOURCE Pearson