Commerce Department Unveils CHIPS Women in Construction Framework to Expand Workforce

The Department of Commerce has launched the CHIPS Women in Construction Framework, an initiative designed to boost female participation in semiconductor construction projects funded by the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors program.

The initiative aligns with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s broader Million Women in Construction program, which aims to double the number of women in construction jobs within the next decade, the Commerce Department said.

Raimondo said the framework, which is open for voluntary adoption, relies on the collaborative efforts of companies, communities, unions and workforce training partners to ensure that the necessary support systems and resources the women need are implemented in workplaces.

The CHIPS Women in Construction Framework outlines five key practices companies should implement to be more inclusive, including setting hiring goals, partnering with relevant organizations for outreach, developing training programs, offering supportive services and fostering safe work environments.

Intel and Micron became the first semiconductor companies to voluntarily endorse the framework. Intel’s investments across four states are expected to create over 20,000 construction jobs, while Micron’s projects in two states aim for over 9,000 jobs. According to the Commerce Department, both companies will use project labor agreements that prioritize access for women and economically disadvantaged individuals.