Chip industry faces shortage of 7 lakh workers by 2030: IESA chief
The Indian semiconductor industry is poised for significant growth in the coming years, driven by the government’s initiatives to promote electronics manufacturing and the increasing demand for chips from various sectors. However, the industry is likely to face a major challenge in the form of a severe 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, but a global phenomenon. The chip industry is experiencing a severe shortage of skilled workers worldwide, and India has the opportunity to fill this void. Chandak emphasized that the country needs to update its technical curriculum and develop manufacturing-related training programs to tackle this issue. The IESA chief’s statement highlights the need for the government, academia, and industry to work together to address the looming shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor sector.
The semiconductor industry is a critical component of the global electronics ecosystem, and its growth is essential for the development of various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer electronics. The industry’s growth is driven by the increasing demand for chips from these sectors, and India has the potential to become a significant player in the global semiconductor market.
However, the shortage of skilled workers could hinder the industry’s growth and affect its ability to meet the increasing demand for chips. The semiconductor sector requires a highly skilled workforce, including engineers, technicians, and operators, to design, manufacture, and test chips. The industry’s complex manufacturing process requires a deep understanding of semiconductor technology, materials science, and manufacturing engineering.
To address the shortage of skilled workers, the government, academia, and industry need to work together to develop a comprehensive strategy. This includes updating the technical curriculum to include courses on semiconductor technology, manufacturing engineering, and materials science. The industry also needs to develop training programs that provide hands-on experience to students and young professionals.
The government has already taken several initiatives to promote the growth of the semiconductor industry in India. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched several schemes, including the Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) and the Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS), to encourage the setting up of semiconductor manufacturing units in the country.
Additionally, the government has established several institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the National Institute of Technology (NIT), to provide education and training in semiconductor technology and manufacturing engineering. However, more needs to be done to address the shortage of skilled workers in the industry.
The IESA chief’s statement highlights the need for a collaborative approach to address the shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor sector. The industry, academia, and government need to work together to develop a comprehensive strategy that includes updating the technical curriculum, developing training programs, and providing incentives to attract young professionals to the industry.
In conclusion, the semiconductor industry is poised for significant growth in the coming years, but it faces a major challenge in the form of a severe shortage of skilled workers. The industry’s growth is essential for the development of various sectors, and India has the opportunity to become a significant player in the global semiconductor market. However, the shortage of skilled workers could hinder the industry’s growth, and it is essential for the government, academia, and industry to work together to address this issue.
The IESA chief’s statement highlights the need for a collaborative approach to address the shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor sector. The industry, academia, and government need to work together to develop a comprehensive strategy that includes updating the technical curriculum, developing training programs, and providing incentives to attract young professionals to the industry. By working together, India can fill the void in the global semiconductor industry and become a significant player in the market.
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