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 chip industry is also facing a similar problem. Chandak stated, “Worldwide, there is a problem, and India has the opportunity to fill the void.” The shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor industry is a result of the rapid growth of the sector, which has created a huge demand for skilled professionals. The industry requires a wide range of skills, from design and development to manufacturing and testing, and the current supply of skilled workers is not sufficient to meet the demand.
The shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor industry is a major concern, as it can hinder the growth of the sector and impact the country’s ability to meet the increasing demand for electronics and chips. Chandak highlighted the need to update the technical curriculum and develop manufacturing-related training programmes to tackle the issue. He emphasized that the industry and academia need to work together to develop courses and training programs that can provide students with the necessary skills to work in the semiconductor industry.
The Indian government has already taken several initiatives to promote the growth of the semiconductor industry, including the establishment of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and the provision of incentives for companies to set up chip manufacturing units in the country. However, the government needs to do more to address the shortage of skilled workers in the sector. This can be done by providing funding for training programs, promoting industry-academia partnerships, and encouraging companies to invest in employee development programs.
The shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor industry also presents a big opportunity for India to emerge as a major player in the global chip industry. With a large pool of talented engineers and technicians, India can fill the void created by the shortage of skilled workers in other countries. Chandak stated that India can become a major hub for chip design, development, and manufacturing, and can provide skilled workers to the global industry.
To achieve this, India needs to focus on developing a robust ecosystem for the semiconductor industry, which includes providing incentives for companies to set up manufacturing units, promoting research and development, and developing a skilled workforce. The government, industry, and academia need to work together to create a conducive environment for the growth of the semiconductor industry, and to provide the necessary support for companies to set up and expand their operations in the country.
In conclusion, the shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor industry is a major challenge that needs to be addressed urgently. The Indian government, industry, and academia need to work together to develop a robust ecosystem for the sector, which includes providing incentives, promoting research and development, and developing a skilled workforce. With the right support and infrastructure, India can emerge as a major player in the global chip industry and fill the void created by the shortage of skilled workers in other countries.
The Indian semiconductor industry has the potential to become a major driver of economic growth, and the government needs to take a proactive approach to promote the sector. This includes providing funding for research and development, promoting industry-academia partnerships, and encouraging companies to invest in employee development programs. With the right policies and support, India can become a major hub for chip design, development, and manufacturing, and can provide skilled workers to the global industry.
As the demand for electronics and chips continues to grow, the semiconductor industry is expected to play a critical role in driving economic growth and development. The shortage of skilled workers in the sector is a major challenge that needs to be addressed, and India has the opportunity to fill the void created by this shortage. With the right support and infrastructure, India can emerge as a major player in the global chip industry and become a hub for chip design, development, and manufacturing.
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