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 initiatives to promote electronics manufacturing and the increasing demand for chips in various sectors. However, the industry is likely to face a major challenge in the coming years – 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 semiconductor industry is also facing a similar challenge. The rapid growth of the industry, driven by the increasing demand for chips in areas such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G, has created a huge demand for skilled workers. However, the supply of skilled workers is not keeping pace with the demand, leading to a shortage of skilled professionals in the industry.
Chandak highlighted the need to update the technical curriculum and develop manufacturing-related training programmes to tackle the issue. He emphasized that the industry needs to work closely with academic institutions to ensure that the curriculum is relevant to the needs of the industry. This will help to ensure that students are equipped with the skills required by the industry, and that they are aware of the opportunities available in the sector.
The shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor industry is a major concern, as it can impact the growth of the industry. The industry requires skilled professionals in areas such as design, manufacturing, and testing, and a shortage of skilled workers can lead to delays in product development and manufacturing. This can have a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem, impacting the ability of companies to deliver products on time and meet customer demand.
However, Chandak also sees this as an opportunity for India to fill the void. With a large pool of skilled workers and a strong education system, India can become a major hub for semiconductor manufacturing and design. The government’s initiatives to promote electronics manufacturing, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, are also expected to drive growth in the sector.
The PLI scheme, which was launched in 2020, provides incentives to companies that manufacture electronic products in India. The scheme has been successful in attracting investments from major companies, and is expected to drive the growth of the electronics manufacturing sector in the country. The scheme also provides an opportunity for Indian companies to become part of the global supply chain, and to export products to other countries.
In addition to the PLI scheme, the government has also launched other initiatives to promote the growth of the semiconductor industry. These include the setting up of electronic manufacturing clusters, and the provision of funding for research and development in the sector. These initiatives are expected to drive growth in the sector, and to create new opportunities for companies and workers.
The semiconductor industry is a significant contributor to the Indian economy, and its growth is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s GDP. The industry is also expected to create new job opportunities, both directly and indirectly, and to drive growth in other sectors such as electronics manufacturing and IT.
In conclusion, the shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor industry is a major challenge that needs to be addressed. However, it also presents an opportunity for India to become a major hub for semiconductor manufacturing and design. The government’s initiatives to promote electronics manufacturing, and the strong education system in the country, are expected to drive growth in the sector. As Chandak stated, “Worldwide, there is a problem, and India has the opportunity to fill the void.” With the right policies and initiatives, India can become a major player in the global semiconductor industry, and create new opportunities for companies and workers.
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