Chip industry faces shortage of 7 lakh workers by 2030: IESA chief
The Indian semiconductor industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven by the government’s initiatives to promote electronics manufacturing and the growing demand for chips in various sectors. However, the industry is facing a major challenge – a shortage of skilled workers. According to Ashok Chandak, President of the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), the semiconductor sector could face a shortage of around seven lakh workers by 2030. This shortage is not unique to India, as the global chip industry is also grappling with a similar issue.
Chandak highlighted that the worldwide shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor industry presents an opportunity for India to fill the void. With the government’s focus on promoting electronics manufacturing and the growth of the semiconductor industry, India can capitalize on this situation by developing a skilled workforce that can cater to the global demand. However, to achieve this, it is essential to update the technical curriculum and develop manufacturing-related training programs to tackle the issue.
The semiconductor industry is a critical component of the global electronics ecosystem, and its growth is driven by the increasing demand for chips in various sectors, including automotive, industrial, medical devices, and consumer electronics. The Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote electronics manufacturing, including the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which aims to incentivize companies to set up manufacturing units in the country. Additionally, the government has announced plans to set up semiconductor fabrication units, which will further boost the growth of the industry.
However, the shortage of skilled workers is a major concern that needs to be addressed. The semiconductor industry requires a highly skilled workforce, with expertise in areas such as chip design, manufacturing, and testing. The industry also requires workers with specialized skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT). To address this shortage, it is essential to update the technical curriculum in educational institutions to include courses that are relevant to the semiconductor industry.
Moreover, the industry requires workers with hands-on experience in manufacturing, which can be achieved through apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs. The government and industry players need to work together to develop training programs that cater to the needs of the semiconductor industry. This can include partnerships between educational institutions and industry players to provide students with practical experience and training in areas such as chip design, manufacturing, and testing.
The shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor industry is not limited to India. The global chip industry is also facing a similar challenge, with many countries competing to attract skilled workers. However, India has a unique advantage, with a large pool of talented engineers and a growing startup ecosystem. With the right training and skills, Indian workers can cater to the global demand for skilled workers in the semiconductor industry.
The Indian government has already taken several steps to promote the growth of the semiconductor industry, including the launch of the PLI scheme and the announcement of plans to set up semiconductor fabrication units. However, to address the shortage of skilled workers, the government needs to work closely with industry players and educational institutions to develop training programs that cater to the needs of the industry.
In conclusion, the semiconductor industry is facing a significant challenge in terms of a shortage of skilled workers. However, this shortage presents an opportunity for India to fill the void and cater to the global demand for skilled workers. To achieve this, it is essential to update the technical curriculum and develop manufacturing-related training programs. The government and industry players need to work together to address this shortage and promote the growth of the semiconductor industry in India.
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