The semiconductor industry is facing a major skill shortage. A report by the Semiconductor Industry Association and Oxford Economics estimates that the U.S. will need to train 67,000 new technicians, engineers, and computer scientists by 2030 to meet demand.
This shortage is already having an impact. TSMC, one of the world’s largest chipmakers, has delayed the start of production at its new Arizona fab due to a lack of skilled workers. Intel, another major chipmaker, is also facing a shortage of workers. The company has said that it could need to hire an additional 70,000 to 90,000 workers over the next few years.
The skill shortage is being driven by a number of factors, including the growing complexity of semiconductor manufacturing and the increasing demand for chips from a variety of industries. Oxford Economics adds that if proactive talent development measures aren’t taken, there will be potential skill shortages in the semiconductor sector
To address the shortage, the SIA is calling on the U.S. government to work with industry and academia to create more opportunities for people to pursue careers in semiconductor manufacturing. The trade group is also urging the government to make it easier for international students to stay in the US after graduation and find jobs in the semiconductor industry.
The US CHIPS and Science Act aims to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing with $39 billion in incentives. It is expected to create around 115,000 jobs, but the SIA estimates a need for 26,400 new technicians, 27,300 new engineers, and 13,400 new computer scientists by the end of the decade to avoid staff shortages.
The sources for this piece include an article in TheRegister.