New Workforce Report Charts Path for Central Texas to Lead in Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing
Jul 28, 2025
WSRCA Team
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2025
CEDAR PARK, Texas — As billions pour into America’s semiconductor and advanced manufacturing resurgence, Central Texas is poised to lead the nation—but only if it can meet the workforce demand head-on.
A new report released by Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA), in collaboration with the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association (ARMA), Workforce Solutions Capital Area, and Opportunity Austin, reveals that the region could see upwards of 33,000 new jobs related to the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries by 2030.
The Central Texas Semiconductor & Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Report provides a data-driven roadmap to align talent, training, and opportunity in the face of one of the most critical workforce challenges in a generation.
“We are at a turning point,” said Paul Fletcher, CEO of WSRCA. “This report not only clarifies the talent needed—it outlines a regional strategy to ensure Central Texas partners align to meet the moment and connect residents to economic opportunities.
This report analyzes growth in the regional semiconductor industry and advanced manufacturing industries through the lens of workforce needs by outlining the in-demand occupations, skillsets, and talent resources. This effort is part of the region’s ongoing strategy to bridge skills gaps, drive economic development, and ensure equitable access to career and business growth opportunities across a twelve-county labor shed, which includes Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, Milam, Travis and Williamson counties.
Key Highlights from the Report:
- High-Demand Occupations: Engineers, maintenance technicians, production supervisors, assemblers, CNC machinists and specialized welders (e.g. orbital precision) top the list of most-needed talent.
- Talent Shortages Are Real: Many roles are already difficult to fill and will only become more competitive with national and regional demand rising.
- Retirement Cliff Ahead: Over half of in-demand occupations have above-average shares of workers nearing retirement age.
- Workforce Expansion Projections: The regional sector could see over 4500 annual job postings, including expected near-term growth in workforce demand.
- Hard-to-Find Roles: Several in-demand occupations, especially technicians, assemblers, CNC machinists, and welders have lower-than-average talent.
- K–12, Higher Ed, and Apprenticeship Pipelines: Talent pipeline exist—but it must be better aligned through industry-informed pathways and positioned to scale through cross-collaboration.
A Call for Strategic Action
The report urges deeper alignment between employers, school districts, higher education, and training providers—and calls on local leaders to:
- Invest in modern apprenticeships and earn-and-learn models.
- Expand career awareness starting in K–12.
- Standardize skill frameworks in partnership with industry.
- Use real-time labor market data to guide program development.
“This is more than a report—it’s a call to action,” said Kevin Fincher, CEO of ARMA. “Central Texas has the chance to become a national model for workforce readiness in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing economy.”
Download the Report and Executive Summary
The full report, developed by Austin-based TIP Strategies, includes regional data, demand forecasts, skill gap analysis, and case studies from national models like Texas FAME, NY CREATES, and NTxSI.
About Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area
Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA) is a nonprofit community partnership providing no-cost recruitment, employment services, and early learning childcare tuition scholarships to empower businesses, employers, and job seekers in the nine-county Rural Capital Area of Central Texas. Through innovative workforce strategies, regional collaborations, and customized solutions, WSRCA drives economic growth by connecting businesses with skilled talent, expanding career opportunities for individuals, and strengthening communities. The Rural Capital Area includes Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, and Williamson counties.
To learn more about how WSRCA is building a stronger Central Texas workforce, visit www.workforcesolutionsrca.com.
