Chip industry faces shortage of 7 lakh workers by 2030: IESA chief
The Indian semiconductor industry is poised for significant growth, driven by the government’s push for digitalization and the increasing demand for electronic devices. However, this growth is threatened by a looming shortage of skilled workers. According to India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) President Ashok Chandak, 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 expected to face a similar crisis.
The shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor industry is a pressing concern, as it can hinder the growth of the sector and impact the production of electronic devices. The IESA chief emphasized that this is a global problem, and India has the opportunity to fill the void. With the right strategy and investments in education and training, India can capitalize on this opportunity and become a hub for semiconductor manufacturing.
The primary reason for the shortage of skilled workers is the lack of relevant technical courses and training programs. The current curriculum in most engineering colleges and technical institutions does not provide students with the necessary skills to work in the semiconductor industry. The IESA chief highlighted the need to update the technical curriculum and develop manufacturing-related training programs to tackle the issue. This would require collaboration between industry leaders, academia, and the government to create a robust ecosystem for skill development.
The Indian government has already taken steps to promote the growth of the semiconductor industry. The production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for electronics manufacturing has been successful in attracting investments from major companies. The government has also announced plans to set up a semiconductor fab in the country, which is expected to create thousands of jobs. However, the success of these initiatives depends on the availability of skilled workers.
The shortage of skilled workers is not limited to the semiconductor industry. The entire electronics manufacturing sector is facing a similar crisis. The IESA chief emphasized that the industry needs to work together to address this issue. This includes creating awareness about the career opportunities in the sector, providing training and upskilling programs, and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.
The opportunity for India is significant, as the country has a large pool of talented engineers and technicians. With the right investments in education and training, India can become a hub for semiconductor manufacturing and design. The IESA chief stated that India can fill the void created by the global shortage of skilled workers and become a leader in the semiconductor industry.
To achieve this, the industry and the government need to work together to create a robust ecosystem for skill development. This includes creating specialized courses and training programs, promoting research and development, and encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation. The IESA chief emphasized that the time to act is now, as the shortage of skilled workers is expected to worsen in the coming years.
In conclusion, the semiconductor industry is facing a significant challenge in the form of a shortage of skilled workers. However, this also presents an opportunity for India to become a hub for semiconductor manufacturing and design. With the right investments in education and training, India can capitalize on this opportunity and become a leader in the sector. The industry and the government need to work together to create a robust ecosystem for skill development and promote the growth of the semiconductor industry.
The IESA chief’s statement highlights the need for urgent action to address the shortage of skilled workers. The industry and the government need to come together to create a plan to tackle this issue and promote the growth of the semiconductor industry. With the right strategy and investments, India can become a major player in the global semiconductor industry and create thousands of jobs for skilled workers.
As the demand for electronic devices continues to grow, the importance of the semiconductor industry will only increase. The shortage of skilled workers is a pressing concern that needs to be addressed immediately. The IESA chief’s statement is a wake-up call for the industry and the government to take action and promote the growth of the semiconductor sector.
The opportunity for India is significant, and the time to act is now. The industry and the government need to work together to create a robust ecosystem for skill development and promote the growth of the semiconductor industry. With the right investments in education and training, India can become a hub for semiconductor manufacturing and design and create thousands of jobs for skilled workers.
About the Author
