In Hillsboro, a city renowned for its contribution to the advanced manufacturing sector, officials have designated October as Advanced Manufacturing Month, marking a time to spotlight the high-tech industry's ascendancy and its impact on the local economy. Pioneers in their field and companies throughout Washington County push the frontiers of science and technology to produce cutting-edge semiconductors, robotics, biomedical equipment, and more. As reported by the City of Hillsboro, this industry is at the heart of the Hillsboro job market, with a significant one in three jobs linked to advanced manufacturing—an industry poised to expand by 10% come 2027.
The recently enacted CHIPS Act bolsters Hillsboro's semiconductor manufacturing—a critical segment of the advanced manufacturing landscape. In a concerted effort to double the United State's share in global semiconductor production, almost 237,000 workers will be needed, many stationed within the greater Hillsboro area. Facing a burgeoning demand, the city is vigorously investing in workforce development. This includes enriching educational and training programs, like employer training reimbursements, youth and adult apprenticeship programs, and paid work experiences ensuring that the skills of tomorrow's workforce align with the dynamic demands of this flourishing sector.
Central to these efforts, Hillsboro pilots the Advanced Manufacturing Training and Education Collaborative of Hillsboro (AM-TECH), an initiative driving a comprehensive workforce strategy for the region. The city's commitment to education and skill enhancement is integral to sustaining a competitive edge on the economic stage. According to the same source, a series of events have been planned to foster greater community engagement and appreciation for the manufacturing industry. These include an official Manufacturing Month Proclamation by Mayor Callaway, interactive visits to local manufacturers for high school students, a job fair, and the much-anticipated 2024 Manufacturers Symposium.
As part of the celebratory events, the NW Electronics Design & Manufacturing Expo (NEDME), positioned as the top networking opportunity for the high-tech industry in the Pacific Northwest, will connect innovators and business owners. These gatherings not only honor a decade's worth of manufacturing excellence in Washington County, but they also gesture toward the momentum yet to come. Indeed, with more than 240 advanced manufacturing companies in the region, Hillsboro has crafted a fertile ground for individuals seeking high-impact, competitive-wage careers—an opportunity easily accessible, as noted, even to those with just a high school diploma or GED, let alone the associate degree or certificates available through further training and apprenticeships.
To learn more about pathways into the dynamic field of advanced manufacturing, visit Hillsboro's official website.
