Marketplace Morning Report A pipeline problem for advanced chip-making jobs
Aug 28, 2025
The podcast dives into the critical shortage of skilled workers in the U.S. semiconductor industry, highlighting the impact of AI on job applications. A recent grad shares insights on the challenges of automation in job hunting. Experts discuss the urgent need for better training and education to prepare engineers and address declining enrollments. The role of community colleges in developing a strong STEM workforce is emphasized, alongside strategies to compete with China's growing talent pool in advanced chip-making jobs.
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AI Adds New Biases To Hiring
- AI helps applicants tweak resumes and blast out applications but also automates employers' sorting processes.
- Princeton professor Arvind Narayanan warns these systems introduce new unfairness and may violate applicants' dignity.
Job Search Hampered By Lack Of Connections
- Oliver Golden Egan struggled to get traction on job applications without personal connections after graduating from Pomona College.
- He relied on cold contacts and even considered delivering resumes in person because automated systems filtered his applications out.
Engineering Shortfall In Chip Production
- USC researchers found a significant shortage of engineering‑level workers for semiconductor production in Southern California.
- The gap centers on roles requiring bachelor's degrees in engineering critical for chip manufacturing.