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Adaptable middle-skilled labor: a neglected roadblock to photonics industry growth

Elizabeth A. Moore, Frank R. Field, Sajan Saini, Richard Roth, Lionel C. Kimerling, George Westerman, and Randolph Kirchain

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Abstract

A roadblock to long-term growth of the photonics industry is the availability of well-trained, adaptable middle-skilled workers. This research characterizes the middle-skilled workforce gap, including the quantity required and skills needed. We estimate that 42,000 new technical middle-skilled workers are needed by 2030, requiring another 100 technician programs nationwide. Training skills along the supply chain are critical; programs must emphasize testing, troubleshooting, and process design. Middle-skilled workers trained in critical thinking will enable an adaptable workforce capable of handling technology evolution. Finally, recommendations for the academia, industry, and middle-skilled training ecosystem are included to ensure that the latter evolves with technology development.

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Supplementary Material (1)

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Supplement 1       Additional information about the methodolgoy and supporting data for the main manuscript.

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