Chip industry faces shortage of 7 lakh workers by 2030: IESA chief
The Indian semiconductor sector is poised for significant growth, driven by the government’s efforts to boost domestic manufacturing and attract foreign investment. However, the industry is facing a major challenge – a severe shortage of skilled workers. According to Ashok Chandak, President of the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), the chip industry could face a shortage of around seven lakh workers by 2030.
This shortage is not unique to India, as the global semiconductor industry is grappling with a similar issue. The demand for skilled workers in the sector is on the rise, driven by the increasing adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G. However, the supply of skilled workers is not keeping pace with the demand, leading to a significant shortage.
Chandak emphasized that this shortage presents a big opportunity for India to fill the void. “Worldwide, there is a problem, and India has the opportunity to fill the void,” he stated. With the government’s focus on boosting domestic manufacturing and creating jobs, the semiconductor sector can play a significant role in achieving these goals.
To tackle the issue of skilled worker shortage, Chandak highlighted the need to update the technical curriculum and develop manufacturing-related training programs. The current education system in India is not equipped to provide students with the skills required by the industry. There is a need to revamp the curriculum to include courses that focus on emerging technologies and provide students with hands-on training.
The government has already taken steps to address the issue of skilled worker shortage in the semiconductor sector. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched several initiatives, including the National Policy on Electronics (NPE) and the Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS). These initiatives aim to promote domestic manufacturing and attract foreign investment in the sector.
In addition to government initiatives, the industry also needs to play a role in addressing the issue of skilled worker shortage. Companies can invest in training and development programs to upskill their existing workforce and provide opportunities for fresh graduates to join the industry.
The shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor sector is not just a challenge for India, but also an opportunity. With the right policies and initiatives in place, India can become a major hub for semiconductor manufacturing and design. The government and the industry need to work together to address the issue of skilled worker shortage and create a robust ecosystem that can support the growth of the sector.
The Indian semiconductor sector has the potential to become a significant contributor to the country’s economy. With the government’s focus on boosting domestic manufacturing and creating jobs, the sector can play a major role in achieving these goals. However, the industry needs to address the issue of skilled worker shortage to achieve its full potential.
In conclusion, the chip industry is facing a significant challenge in terms of skilled worker shortage. However, this shortage also presents an opportunity for India to fill the void and become a major hub for semiconductor manufacturing and design. The government and the industry need to work together to address the issue of skilled worker shortage and create a robust ecosystem that can support the growth of the sector.
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