Chip industry faces shortage of 7 lakh workers by 2030: IESA chief
The Indian semiconductor sector is poised to face a significant challenge in the coming years, with a projected shortage of around seven lakh workers by 2030. This was stated by Ashok Chandak, President of the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), who highlighted the need to update the technical curriculum and develop manufacturing-related training programmes to tackle the issue.
The semiconductor industry is a critical component of the global electronics ecosystem, with a wide range of applications in fields such as computing, communications, and consumer electronics. However, the industry is facing a significant shortage of skilled workers, which could have far-reaching implications for the sector’s growth and development.
According to Chandak, the shortage of skilled workers is a global problem, and India has the opportunity to fill the void. “Worldwide, there is a problem, and India has the opportunity to fill the void,” he stated. This presents a significant opportunity for India to emerge as a major player in the global semiconductor industry, with the potential to create thousands of jobs and drive economic growth.
However, to capitalize on this opportunity, India will need to invest in developing the necessary skills and training programmes to meet the demands of the industry. This will require a concerted effort from industry leaders, educational institutions, and government agencies to update the technical curriculum and develop manufacturing-related training programmes.
The shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor industry is a complex issue, with multiple factors contributing to the problem. One of the main reasons is the rapid pace of technological change in the industry, which requires workers to have specialized skills and knowledge to keep up with the latest developments. Additionally, the industry is facing a significant demographic challenge, with a large proportion of the workforce nearing retirement age.
To address these challenges, the IESA is working closely with industry leaders, educational institutions, and government agencies to develop a comprehensive strategy for developing the necessary skills and training programmes. This includes updating the technical curriculum to reflect the latest developments in the industry, as well as developing specialized training programmes in areas such as semiconductor manufacturing and design.
The Indian government has also launched several initiatives to promote the development of the semiconductor industry, including the establishment of a semiconductor fab in the country. The government has also announced plans to provide financial incentives and subsidies to companies that invest in the sector, in an effort to attract more investment and create jobs.
In addition to these initiatives, there is a need for industry leaders to invest in developing the necessary skills and training programmes to meet the demands of the industry. This includes providing on-the-job training and apprenticeships, as well as partnering with educational institutions to develop specialized courses and programmes.
The potential benefits of developing a strong semiconductor industry in India are significant, with the potential to create thousands of jobs and drive economic growth. The industry is also expected to have a positive impact on the country’s trade balance, with the potential to reduce reliance on imports and increase exports.
In conclusion, the projected shortage of seven lakh workers in the semiconductor industry by 2030 presents a significant challenge for the sector, but it also offers a major opportunity for India to emerge as a major player in the global industry. To capitalize on this opportunity, India will need to invest in developing the necessary skills and training programmes, as well as updating the technical curriculum to reflect the latest developments in the industry.
As stated by Ashok Chandak, President of the IESA, “Worldwide, there is a problem, and India has the opportunity to fill the void.” With the right strategy and investment, India can capitalize on this opportunity and emerge as a major player in the global semiconductor industry.