Chip industry faces shortage of 7 lakh workers by 2030: IESA chief
The global chip industry is on the cusp of a significant crisis, with a looming shortage of skilled workers threatening to disrupt the delicate balance of the semiconductor ecosystem. According to Ashok Chandak, President of the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), the sector is staring at a staggering shortage of around seven lakh workers by 2030. This alarming prediction has far-reaching implications for the industry, but it also presents a unique opportunity for India to fill the void and emerge as a leader in the global semiconductor landscape.
The semiconductor industry is a highly specialized and complex sector, requiring a vast array of skilled workers with expertise in areas such as design, manufacturing, and testing. The industry’s growth has been phenomenal in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for chips in a wide range of applications, from smartphones and laptops to automotive and industrial systems. However, this growth has also created a significant challenge in terms of finding and retaining skilled talent.
The shortage of skilled workers is a global problem, and it is not limited to any one region or country. The industry’s rapid expansion has created a huge demand for skilled workers, and the existing educational and training systems are struggling to keep pace. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the semiconductor industry is highly cyclical, with periods of rapid growth followed by downturns. This cyclical nature of the industry makes it challenging for companies to plan and invest in workforce development.
In this context, India has a unique opportunity to capitalize on the global shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor industry. With its large and growing population, India has the potential to provide a significant proportion of the skilled workers required by the industry. However, to realize this potential, India needs to update its technical curriculum and develop manufacturing-related training programs that are relevant to the industry’s needs.
According to Chandak, “Worldwide, there is a problem, and India has the opportunity to fill the void.” He emphasized the need for India to focus on developing a strong ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing, including the creation of specialized training programs and the development of a skilled workforce. This will not only help India to capitalize on the global shortage of skilled workers but also enable the country to emerge as a major player in the global semiconductor industry.
The Indian government has already taken several steps to promote the development of the semiconductor industry, including the launch of the “Digital India” initiative and the creation of the “Electronics Development Fund.” However, more needs to be done to address the shortage of skilled workers and to create a robust ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing.
One of the key challenges facing India is the need to update its technical curriculum to make it more relevant to the industry’s needs. The current curriculum is often outdated and does not provide students with the skills and knowledge required by the industry. To address this issue, there is a need for closer collaboration between industry and academia, with the industry providing inputs on the skills and knowledge required by the sector.
Another challenge facing India is the need to develop manufacturing-related training programs that are relevant to the industry’s needs. The semiconductor industry is a highly specialized sector, and it requires workers with specific skills and knowledge. To address this issue, there is a need for the development of specialized training programs that focus on areas such as chip design, manufacturing, and testing.
In conclusion, the global chip industry is facing a significant crisis, with a looming shortage of skilled workers threatening to disrupt the delicate balance of the semiconductor ecosystem. However, this crisis also presents a unique opportunity for India to emerge as a leader in the global semiconductor landscape. By updating its technical curriculum and developing manufacturing-related training programs, India can capitalize on the global shortage of skilled workers and create a robust ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing. As Chandak noted, “Worldwide, there is a problem, and India has the opportunity to fill the void.”
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