You’ve probably heard the words “semiconductors” or “advanced manufacturing” floating around—on the news, in podcasts, or maybe from a friend who just landed a new job in the growing field. But what do these terms actually mean? And why are they suddenly everywhere?
Turns out, this industry is one of the fastest-growing in the country. That’s not just hype—it’s backed by billions in investment, a growing demand for skilled workers, and a whole lot of opportunity if you’re looking to start fresh in a new career.
But let’s start at the beginning. We’ll answer the big questions, like:
- What exactly is a semiconductor?
- How does advanced manufacturing fit into the picture?
- Why does it all matter to someone like you?
- And—how can you get started in this field?
What Is a Semiconductor?
At its core, a semiconductor is a tiny chip that makes modern electronics work. Think phones, laptops, electric cars, even your smart thermostat. If it runs on power and does something smart, there’s probably a microchip behind the scenes.
Making semiconductors isn’t simple. It involves precision, cleanroom environments, and a mix of science and engineering. But the growing demand is pushing the U.S. to produce more of these chips at home—and fast.
That’s where the CHIPS and Science Act comes in. Passed in 2022, it’s funneling over $52 billion into domestic chip production. The goal? Make America competitive again in tech manufacturing, and create thousands of new jobs in the process.
By 2030, the semiconductor industry is expected to create over 115,000 jobs in the U.S.—many of which don’t require a four-year degree.
What Is Advanced Manufacturing?
Advanced manufacturing is a modern take on how things get built. It combines traditional production methods with cutting-edge technologies—like robotics, machine learning, and automation—to create smarter, faster, and more sustainable solutions.
This sector is behind many of the innovations shaping our world today, including:
- Electric vehicles that offer greener transportation
- Solar and wind energy systems powering clean energy solutions
- Smart appliances and factories improving efficiency and convenience
- And yes, semiconductors—the critical components driving modern tech
Advanced manufacturing isn’t just about producing more—it’s about building better. It focuses on improving quality, safety, and sustainability across industries like electronics, telecommunications, clean energy, and more.
As technology evolves and consumer demand rises, the need for advanced manufacturing capabilities continues to grow. This makes it one of the most resilient and future-forward sectors in today’s economy—and a powerful engine for innovation.
Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing Industry Trends and Challenges
1. The Semiconductor Industry Is Just Getting Its Footing.
Artificial intelligence is nothing new, and machine learning has been around as early as the 1950s. That said, the semiconductor industry in the United States is just getting its footing.
“The semiconductor industry had a robust 2024, with expected double-digit (19%) growth, and sales of US$627 billion for the year. But that’s even better than the earlier forecast of US$611 billion. And 2025 could be even better, with predicted sales of US$697 billion, reaching a new all-time high, and well on track to reach the widely accepted aspirational goal of US$1 trillion in chip sales by 2030.”
As previously mentioned, this is partly due to the CHIPS Act.
2. AI is Driving Both the Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing Industries.
Almost all personal computers are expected to have some generative artificial intelligence by 2028.
The rise of generative AI, which can synthesize new content, generate code, and even produce art, underscores this demand, highlighting the critical role that cutting-edge manufacturing will play in delivering the necessary hardware and infrastructure. As organizations increasingly recognize the transformative potential of generative AI, the push for enhanced semiconductor performance and increased manufacturing efficiency will only intensify.
To support this growing need, the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries are poised for substantial growth, with substantial investments already allocated to enhance production capabilities and technology development.
3. There Are Environmental And Sustainability Concerns
Semiconductor and advanced manufacturing are not without their faults.
A large product of advanced manufacturing is artificial intelligence. AI has several applications and has impacted the way many of us live and work. Nonetheless, it has significant challenges.
Tech companies especially have reported increased emissions due to AI data centers. In fact, one ChatGPT query uses the same energy as 10 Google search queries. Or the amount of energy it takes to power a lightbulb for 20 minutes.
Alone, one ChatGPT search is inconsequential; however, millions of daily queries may have a significant impact. Experts project that the 2,700 AI data centers in the U.S. will consume 6% of the country’s electricity by 2026.
In many states like Texas and Georgia, public utilities are ill-equipped to handle the high demands of AI. In addition to energy consumption, data centers increase water cooling, straining limited freshwater sources. Data centers strain local power grids and monopolize the U.S. water supply.
That said, solutions are being rolled out. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Laboratories has constructed an AI data center near nuclear reactors, providing a steady source of energy. Other data centers are also being built close to wind and solar energy production sites.
Artificial intelligence is just one piece of the puzzle. Solutions are being rolled out, but it’s still yet to be seen if the production of energy-efficient sources will be built fast enough to outpace the high demand for advanced manufacturing.
How to Get Started in Semiconductor & Advanced Manufacturing
Here’s the thing: You don’t have to be an engineer or coder to work in this space. If you’re looking for a fresh start, a stable career path with room to grow, or work that actually matters, this could be your moment. And if you’re in or near Austin, Texas, you’re in exactly the right place.
Merit America’s 14-week Semiconductor & Advanced Manufacturing Career Track is designed specifically for working adults. You don’t need prior experience—and you can keep your current job while you train.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- OSHA and safety compliance
- Cleanroom procedures and PPE protocols
- Tool handling and precision measurement
- Quality systems and lean manufacturing
Basics of electrical systems and pneumatics
By the end of the program, you’ll earn an Occupational Skills Award—and be ready to step into a role that’s both in-demand and high-impact. Even better? Training is fully funded for eligible learners in Central Texas.
👉 Apply now and start your journey.
The world runs on semiconductors—and someone has to make them. That “someone” could be you.