Yesterday, the House passed HB 4154, legislation to expand education and training opportunities for Oregonians who want to pursue careers in Oregon’s expanding semiconductor industry.
In 2023, legislators passed the bipartisan Oregon CHIPS Act (SB 4) to prepare Oregon for historic expansion in the U.S. semiconductor industry. As a result, state economists now project $40 billion in new semiconductor-related investment, creating a demand for 6,300 new full-time industry jobs and 1,000 additional construction jobs within the decade.
The investments that have been pledged to Oregon are conditioned on a very real need for workers. Preparing diverse Oregonians from every part of the state to take advantage of jobs in the semiconductor industry will ensure that people from all backgrounds and educational levels will have equitable opportunities to benefit from these investments and to share their talents with the world.
HB 4154 leverages and expands existing partnerships and programs through our community colleges, universities and K-12 STEM organizations to bolster training throughout the state, ensuring that a highly-talented workforce is trained in Oregon – and stays in Oregon.
“Workforce development and partnerships are crucial to fill the thousands of high paying jobs coming available in Oregon’s quickly expanding semiconductor sector. House Bill 4154 is the culmination of years of work to position Oregon for unprecedented industry growth and deliver the shared prosperity we promised constituents last session when we made historic investments through Senate Bill 4,” said Representative Janelle Bynum (D – Happy Valley and North Clackamas County).
HB 4154 will build off of the successes of the passage of the Oregon CHIPS Act by allowing higher education institutions to leverage existing programs, meet the future demand of highly skilled workers, and best prepare Oregon to receive additional federal funding.
The Semiconductor Task Force Report noted “Billions in capital investment will create…thousands of high-paying construction jobs, many of them held by black, indigenous and people of color. Once the facilities are operational – thousands of additional semiconductor manufacturing and supply chain jobs will be created, where 50% of positions require no more than high school or community college training.”
“This bill creates an ongoing partnership between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors that will help provide economic opportunities for hard-working Oregonians from all educational backgrounds,” said Representative Nathan Sosa (D – Greater Hillsboro).
In a more recent report, the Semiconductor Workforce and Talent Assessment found that the semiconductor and related manufacturing industry employs nearly 31,000 workers, with an average annual wage that’s approximately two and a half times the average statewide wage.
“Oregon’s semiconductor industry provides meaningful opportunities for workers and companies throughout vast supply chains across the state. HB 4154 sets Oregon up to fund specialized training for these new jobs and demonstrates that the Legislature remains committed to CHIPS development and manufacturing.” said Representative Kim Wallan (R-Medford).
“This is an opportunity to make a lasting statewide impact that will electrify our economy in all corners of the state. HB 4154 will increase the number of low-barrier, family wage jobs, prioritize our historically marginalized communities and bolster our workforce training programs that will benefit the state for years to come.” said Representative Hai Pham (D-South Hillsboro, SW Beaverton)
Reps. Hai Pham (D-South Hillsboro & SW Beaverton), Nathan Sosa (D-Greater Hillsboro), Kim Wallan (R-Medford), and Janelle Bynum (D-Clackamas) are leading the effort to pass the bill.
The bill has bipartisan, bicameral support with 31 sponsors. HB 4154 passed the House Floor and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Parallel to HB 4154, HB 4098 supports Oregon’s families which aims to address critical childcare needs. This package is proof of a continued commitment the legislature has to fostering a strong growing industry in Oregon.
