Bridging the Skills Gap for Future Quantum Workforce

The rapid advancement of quantum applications has led to an increasing demand for a streamlined workforce with specialized quantum-relevant skills tailored to various roles. Unfortunately, the traditional training method for quantum workers typically requires a doctoral degree, which is a prohibitively long turnaround to fill the hundreds of jobs open now and also leaves many skilled workers behind.

To address this gap, the Quantum, Computing, Mathematics, and Physics program (QCaMP), initiated by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Sandia National Labs in 2022 under the Quantum Systems Accelerator and expanded in 2024 as a DOE Pathway Summer School, aims to introduce quantum information sciences to high school teachers and students. Since its launch, QCaMP has broadened its scope to provide more opportunities for engaging with fundamentalmathematics, physics, and computing concepts through hands-on experiments and independent projects.

In the summer of 2024, I had the privilege of working as an external Quantum Curriculum developer alongside a diverse team of experts in quantum research and education from Sandia National Labs and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Deliverables were a week-long workshop for teachers with cohorts in 5 states and a 4-week-long camp for students in NM and CA, with accessible quantum-based hands-on activities designed for educators and high school students. These collaborative efforts focused on creating a well-structured and conceptually engaging curriculum.

Acknowledgements go to the funding agency, Department of Energy, Office of Science, Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists, Pathway Summer Schools (DOE WDTS PSS) as well as Quantum Systems Accelerator, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, and Sandia National Laboratories.