Intel’s Commitment to Expanding the Number of Women in Construction

Intel’s Commitment to Expanding the Number of Women in Construction 

To meet the economic and national security objectives of the CHIPS and Science Act, the U.S. Commerce Department and Secretary Gina Raimondo launched the CHIPS Women in Construction Framework, which aims to double the number of women in construction nationwide over the next decade. Intel was one of the first companies to voluntarily join the effort and stands ready to deliver on the promises of the CHIPS and Science Act, while increasing diversity in the construction workforce. This initiative is critical in filling hundreds of thousands of jobs and developing a strong, trained talent pipeline.  

WHAT’S HAPPENING: Last week, Intel joined the CHIPS Program Office, ACT Ohio, and the Ohio State Building & Construction Trades Council to convene a regional construction stakeholder roundtable. Additional attendees included education, training and labor partners, the business community, workforce development entities and more. The roundtable focused on the Framework’s five best practices aimed at expanding the construction workforce by increasing the participation of women and economically disadvantaged individuals. 

During the discussion, participants tackled regional challenges and talked about specific opportunities to implement the CHIPS Women in Construction framework. Helping build more manufacturing capacity quickly, safely, and efficiently is a crucial step to begin producing more chips in the U.S.  The convening also featured an overview of federal and state workforce efforts and local strategies implemented by industry, labor and community partners. A working session was hosted to identify challenges and opportunities to further advance the joint goals of all participating stakeholders.   

WHAT INTEL IS DOING: Intel is actively working with the U.S. Department of Commerce and helping our general contractors, such as Bechtel and Hoffman, implement practices like improving training pathways, providing access to supportive services such as childcare and transportation, and maintaining healthy, safe, and respectful workplaces that aid in the increased participation of women in the construction industry, including CHIPS-funded construction projects.  

In Ohio, we’re set to create 7,000 construction jobs, and between our sites in Ohio, Arizona, New Mexico and Oregon, a total of 20,000 construction jobs. We are deeply committed to filling these roles with the best and brightest talent, focusing on advancing women and others in the construction field. As we expand our U.S. manufacturing operations, we will attract and train new talent from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. We actively engage with our contractors to recognize and applaud their achievements, exemplified by events like Women in Construction Week, which celebrates women in the industry and their contributions around the globe. By regularly gathering feedback from workers, Intel ensures ongoing improvement and collaboration to create inclusive facilities that are responsive to the needs of all, including women. 

WHY IT MATTERS: Achieving diversity and inclusion across the global supply chain is critical to delivering world-changing technology that improves lives. At Intel, diversity and inclusion are instrumental in driving innovation and delivering strong business growth. We hold ourselves, our people, our leaders, and our industry to the highest standards by creating an inclusive culture and advancing diversity in the semiconductor manufacturing industry and beyond. 

BEYOND CONSTRUCTION: Intel reinforces these commitments through our actions, including a best-in-class Supplier Diversity program, where Intel has committed to a goal of $2 billion in annual spending with diverse suppliers by 2030. In 2023, Intel achieved $1.6 billion in annual spending with diverse suppliers, a fast track toward that goal. Additionally, Intel has a goal to spend $500 million annually with women-owned suppliers outside the U.S. by the end of 2025. In 2023, Intel was recognized on WE Connect International’s list of Top 10 Global Champions for Supplier Diversity Inclusion.  

LOOKING AHEAD: The construction industry is rapidly growing and evolving, making it critical to ensure the timely development of new and expanded U.S. manufacturing sites to secure U.S. semiconductor leadership. In collaboration with partners like the U.S. Department of Commerce, we are striving toward the best practices to expand opportunities for women in the industry. Intel is proud to support the CHIPS Women in Construction Framework and advance diversity in the construction workforce.