Austin, TX

How UT and Austin Community College are helping tackle semiconductor workforce needs

Published

9 months ago

April 18, 2024

How UT and Austin Community College are helping tackle semiconductor workforce needs

When U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo came to Austin Community College on Monday, she recognized a student at the school.

“She shakes my hand and she’s like, ‘Wait, do I remember you?’” said Eriverto Adame, a student at ACC who wants to work as an engineer.

On Raimondo’s visit to the campus Monday, she was meeting with ACC and University of Texas students aspiring to work in the semiconductor industry to ask them how she could help, Adame said. This was Raimondo’s second visit to ACC in a little over a year to learn about the college’s growing semiconductor workforce programs.

More: Why Samsung semiconductor plant in Taylor is receiving $6.4 billion from federal CHIPS Act

“We have the best people in the background right now who are putting all their effort and even more to expand this group,” Adame said.

After a governmental push to bolster the industry, ACC and the University of Texas announced in late March that they are developing a joint semiconductor training center and semiconductor curriculum and credentialing to create more education pathways to help fill jobs in the growing field.

Before stopping at ACC on Monday, Raimondo was in Taylor with other officials to announce a deal between the Biden administration and semiconductor production giant Samsung that would give $6.4 billion to the corporation’s still-under-construction manufacturing facility northeast of Austin.

Semiconductors enable modern technology in everything from a calculator to gaming systems, said Laura Marmolejo, associate dean of advanced manufacturing at ACC.

By 2030, the nation’s semiconductor workforce is projected to grow by 115,000 jobs, according to a July 2023 study by economic research consulting group Oxford Economics. It estimated that 58% of new jobs won’t be filled if degree completion rates stay the same — including technicians, computer scientists and engineers.

National security and the hardware behind artificial intelligence both rely on semiconductors, making it a national priority to address rising work needs internally instead of outsourcing jobs, said S.V. Sreenivasan, a professor in UT’s Cockrell School of Engineering.

“This is not only a fast-growing industry (that) creates well-paying jobs, but it’s strategically important for our commerce and our national security,” Sreenivasan said. “We either will lead or will follow, and you know what is the obvious thing to do.”

Sreenivasan led a task force at UT created in 2021 to bolster Austin’s semiconductor manufacturing as U.S. lawmakers from Texas were working on the CHIPS and Science Act, a bill President Joe Biden signed into law in 2022 that set aside $280 billion to address the shortage of microchips, an essential part of the manufacturing process.

After Texas passed its own CHIPS Act in 2023 to support and encourage companies and universities to invest in semiconductor innovation, Sreenivasan also served on the governor’s Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium.

“I’ve never seen this kind of collaboration to emphasize workforce,” Sreenivasan said. “We know the numbers that are needed and I think the plans are getting in place to go execute (and) make it happen.”

Marmolejo said ACC has been supporting the industry for 10 years. But with UT’s partnership, it’ll be able to expand hands-on opportunities for students in process training that used to be cost-prohibitive for ACC to provide alone.

Alyssa Reinhart, workforce development director at the Texas Institute for Electronics at UT, said the semiconductor training center, which could launch as early as January 2025, will have a physical space. Students will also take advantage of resources like the chip facility at UT’s J.J. Pickle Research Campus and a semiconductor plant on Montopolis Drive, which is currently under renovation.

The Texas Institute for Electronics, a public-private partnership created at UT which received $522 million in funding from the state, will provide $3.75 million to develop the new semiconductor training center, according to UT’s news release about the partnership.

Reinhart said the new joint UT-ACC program will work with industry partners to address the broad spectrum of jobs in the industry.

“We’re trying to align to the hiring cycles and with what company needs are,” Reinhart said.

In addition to the joint announcement, UT is also planning to launch a master’s degree in engineering with a major in semiconductor science and engineering. Reinhart said UT is also working on developing a minor.

Both higher education institutions are working to increase awareness of the forthcoming opportunities. Sreenivasan said UTeach, a program that prepares STEM-interested undergraduates to be teachers, has added semiconductors to the program. Reinhart said she is also working on involving K-12 education partners.

“People say we don’t have enough people to train for this industry,” Marmolejo said. “There are people, we just have to find a way to engage them with the educational systems with the jobs.”

Adame, who first enrolled at ACC in 2018 to pursue an associate’s degree, is now back at the college to pursue a bachelor’s degree. He got involved in semiconductor workforce training through a Samsung program that put him on a path to the associate’s degree at ACC after he graduated high school.

He said ACC’s and UT’s investment in semiconductor training is helping him “tremendously.” Pursuing this career path, he said, has opened his curiosity and potential.

“It’s changed my life drastically, not only a career change, but also a mental change,” Adame said. “Being in the semiconductor field … there’s just endless possibilities of learning.”

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Austin, TX

Texas Cardinal DiNardo retires; Pope Francis names Bishop Vásquez as his successor – OSV News

Published

3 hours ago

January 20, 2025

Press Room

Texas Cardinal DiNardo retires; Pope Francis names Bishop Vásquez as his successor – OSV News

WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and named as his successor Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin, Texas.

Cardinal DiNardo has headed the Texas archdiocese since 2006, and a year later Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the College of Cardinals. On May 23, 2024, he turned 75, the age at which canon law requires bishops to submit their resignation to the pope. The cardinal is a former president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Archbishop Vásquez, 67, has headed the Diocese of Austin since 2010. Additionally, he served as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas from November 2023 to December 2024.

The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington Jan. 20 by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

This is a developing story. More to come.

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Austin, TX

Austin weather: Winter Storm Warning in the forecast for Central Texas

Published

11 hours ago

January 20, 2025

Press Room

Austin weather: Winter Storm Warning in the forecast for Central Texas

Austin weather: Winter Storm Warning soon

Much of Central Texas will be under a Winter Storm Warning come Monday evening, scheduled to last a full 24 hours. FOX 7 Austin’s Leslie London has the details in her full forecast.

AUSTIN, Texas – Much of Central Texas is bracing for bitter cold Monday and Tuesday after arctic air arrived Saturday.

Winter Weather Advisory

The Hill Country will be under a Winter Weather Advisory beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20 and lasting until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21.

The Advisory impacts the following counties: Bandera, Blanco, Burnet, Frio, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, and Llano.

Mixed precipitation is expected, with snow and sleet accumulations up to an inch. We could also see ice accumulation up to a few hundredths of an inch.

Drivers should plan on slippery road conditions and people are advised to watch their first few steps on stairs, sidewalks and driveways, says the National Weather Service.

Winter Storm Warning

The rest of Central Texas, except for Milam and Lampasas counties, will be under a Winter Storm Warning, starting at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20 until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Heavy mixed precipitation is expected with snow and sleet accumulations up to two inches and ice accumulations around a tenth of an inch.

Some regions, especially farther to the east, may see higher accumulations of ice.

Roads will likely be slick and will make for dangerous driving conditions and impacts are expected during the morning commute. Refreezing is also expected on Tuesday evening according to the National Weather Service.

Cold Weather Advisory

All counties are under a Cold Weather Advisory until noon Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Lows on Monday night will be in the mid 20s with wind chills in the teens and single digits out west.

Tuesday night is colder, with low temps in the teens and wind chills again in the teens and single digits.

Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure, says the NWS, so Central Texans are advised to use caution when traveling outside and wear appropriate clothing, including a hat and gloves.

What to do

If you’re able to on Monday and Tuesday, stay indoors and minimize driving.

If not, travelers should drive carefully and slowly, giving plenty of space between them and other vehicles. Drivers can also check current road conditions on DriveTexas.org.

Austin weather: Tips to prepare your home for arctic blast

Central Texans are also advised to protect the four P’s: pets, plants, pipes and people and should also remember not to use generators or grills inside their homes.

Many Central Texas school districts have already chosen to cancel classes for Tuesday, Jan. 21. Many of them were set to be closed already on Monday, Jan 20, due to Martin Luther King Jr Day.

7-Day Forecast

We will begin warming up on Thursday, taking highs into the mid 50s with a steady rise all the way through next weekend.

Track your local forecast for the Austin area quickly with the free FOX 7 WAPP. The design gives you radar, hourly, and 7-day weather information just by scrolling. Our weather alerts will warn you early and help you stay safe during storms.

The Source: Information from FOX 7 Austin meteorologist Leslie London and the National Weather Service.

Winter WeatherSevere WeatherWeather ForecastAustin

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Austin, TX

Austinites Can Now Access 24/7 Emergency Restoration Services from Lightspeed Restoration

Published

19 hours ago

January 19, 2025

Press Room

Austinites Can Now Access 24/7 Emergency Restoration Services from Lightspeed Restoration

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lightspeed Restoration of Austin proudly announces its opening as a locally owned and operated business dedicated to providing the Austin community with fast, reliable, high-quality restoration services. Lightspeed Restoration specializes in water damage restoration , fire damage restoration, disaster recovery, and reconstruction, offering comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of homeowners and businesses.

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Jonathan and Samantha Friedman, the proud owners of Lightspeed Restoration of Austin, founded the business to combine their passion for helping others with a deep commitment to exceptional service. “As members of the Austin community, we’re thrilled to contribute to our neighbors’ well-being by providing critical restoration services when they’re needed most,” said the Friedmans. “We pride ourselves on accountability, honesty, and delivering results that exceed expectations.”

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by a team of highly trained professionals, Lightspeed Restoration of Austin is available 24/7 to assist with emergencies of all sizes. The company understands that disasters can be life-changing and emotionally challenging. That’s why their approach focuses on restoring properties and providing compassionate support during difficult times. With a dedication to precision, safety, and efficiency, Lightspeed Restoration aims to ease the burden of recovery and help clients regain a sense of normalcy.

Why Choose Lightspeed Restoration of Austin?

Rapid Response: 24/7 availability to address urgent restoration needs.
Experienced Team: Skilled professionals focused on quality and safety.
Comprehensive Services: Expert solutions for water, fire, disaster recovery, and reconstruction.
Accountability and Honesty: A commitment to integrity in every project.
Community-Focused: Locally owned and deeply invested in Austin’s well-being.

For more information about Lightspeed Restoration of Austin or to request emergency services, call 512-428-8309 or visit https://lightspeedrestoration.com/austin-tx/ .

Media Contact: Phone: 512-428-8309 Email: lr.austin@lightspeedrestoration.com Website: https://lightspeedrestoration.com/austin-tx/ For press inquiries or more information about our services, please reach out to us anytime.

About Lightspeed Restoration

Lightspeed Restoration is a trusted leader in the restoration industry, offering comprehensive solutions for water damage, fire damage, disaster recovery, and reconstruction. Dedicated to rapid response, superior craftsmanship, and outstanding customer service, Lightspeed Restoration is committed to helping Austin homeowners and businesses recover and rebuild after disasters. To learn more, visit us at https://lightspeedrestoration.com/austin-tx/.

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