Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Thursday a $3.5 million grant to Texas State Technical College for semiconductor workforce training.
The funding will support a 10-week accelerated program at TSTC’s Williamson County campus in Hutto.
The investment signals Texas’ push to dominate semiconductor manufacturing as federal reshoring efforts accelerate. The grant comes from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF), created under the state’s 2023 CHIPS Act.
“Texas maintains its investment in high-demand skills training to open the door for Texans to have better jobs and bigger paycheck opportunities,” said Governor Abbott. “With this TSIF grant, TSTC will transform existing instructional and lab space into a training facility focused on semiconductor and electromechanical workforce development.”
The Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training Program will prepare students for roles as equipment technicians, process technicians, and gas control system specialists. Training includes a mock cleanroom facility replicating industry workflows.
TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser emphasized Texas’ economic positioning.
“Texas is the epicenter of business prosperity in the U.S.,” said Reeser. “That is why we will surely lead the way as our country re-shores and builds up our manufacturing and semiconductor infrastructure again.”
The program delivers a modular curriculum designed for rapid workforce deployment. Students can complete training and enter the semiconductor industry within 10 weeks.
State Senator Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) praised the regional impact.
“This grant represents Texas’ continued commitment to building a first-rate workforce for a world-class economy,” said Schwertner. “By expanding access to semiconductor technician training, right here in Williamson County, we are preparing Texans to lead in the industries that define tomorrow.”
Representative Caroline Harris Davila (R-Roundrock) connected the grant to her legislative work establishing TSTC’s permanent independent Williamson County campus.
“This investment will equip students with the advanced skills needed for a modern, high-tech workforce, create quality jobs for Texans, and support the semiconductor operations and chip production that drive our economy and are vital to our national security,” said Harris Davila.
The Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund operates through the Texas CHIPS Office within the Governor’s economic development division. The program aims to maintain Texas’s leadership in semiconductor manufacturing while developing institutional expertise at state universities and colleges.
