Chip industry faces shortage of 7 lakh workers by 2030: IESA chief
The semiconductor industry is on the cusp of a significant challenge, with a predicted shortage of around seven lakh workers by 2030. This revelation was made by Ashok Chandak, President of the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA). Chandak emphasized that this global issue presents a substantial opportunity for India to fill the void and establish itself as a major player in the semiconductor sector.
The semiconductor industry is a vital component of the global electronics ecosystem, with applications in a wide range of fields, including consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, and healthcare. The increasing demand for semiconductors has led to a surge in production, but the industry is now facing a significant challenge in terms of workforce availability. The predicted shortage of seven lakh workers by 2030 is a staggering number, and it highlights the need for urgent action to address this issue.
According to Chandak, the shortage of skilled workers is a global problem, and India has the opportunity to capitalize on this situation. With a large pool of talented engineers and technicians, India can provide the necessary workforce to meet the demands of the semiconductor industry. However, this will require significant investments in education and training programs to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to work in the semiconductor sector.
One of the key challenges facing the semiconductor industry is the need to update the technical curriculum and develop manufacturing-related training programs. The industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and processes being developed at a rapid pace. As a result, there is a need for workers who are skilled in the latest technologies and have the ability to adapt to changing industry requirements.
To address this issue, Chandak emphasized the need for collaboration between industry stakeholders, academia, and the government. He suggested that the government should provide support for the development of specialized courses and training programs that cater to the needs of the semiconductor industry. Additionally, industry stakeholders should work closely with educational institutions to provide hands-on training and internships to students, which will help them gain practical experience and develop the necessary skills to work in the industry.
The predicted shortage of workers in the semiconductor industry also highlights the need for increased investment in research and development (R&D). The industry is constantly evolving, and companies need to invest in R&D to stay ahead of the curve. This will require significant investments in infrastructure, including the development of state-of-the-art research facilities and the recruitment of top talent from around the world.
The opportunity presented by the predicted shortage of workers in the semiconductor industry is not limited to India alone. Other countries, such as China and the United States, are also likely to benefit from this situation. However, India has a unique advantage, with a large pool of talented engineers and technicians, a favorable business environment, and a government that is committed to supporting the growth of the semiconductor industry.
In recent years, the Indian government has launched several initiatives to support the growth of the semiconductor industry, including the establishment of a semiconductor fabrication plant in Gujarat and the development of a national policy for the electronics sector. These initiatives have helped to create a favorable business environment, which has attracted significant investments from companies around the world.
In conclusion, the predicted shortage of seven lakh workers in the semiconductor industry by 2030 is a significant challenge that presents a substantial opportunity for India. With a large pool of talented engineers and technicians, a favorable business environment, and a government that is committed to supporting the growth of the semiconductor industry, India is well-placed to capitalize on this situation. However, this will require significant investments in education and training programs, as well as increased investment in R&D. By working together, industry stakeholders, academia, and the government can help to address the shortage of workers in the semiconductor industry and establish India as a major player in the global electronics ecosystem.
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