Semiconductor industry will boost job opportunities – Education Times
TNN | Posted July 13, 2024 10:00 AM
India’s workforce faces a multitude of challenges. While headline unemployment rates might not seem alarming, a significant portion of the youth are underemployed, stuck in low-paying informal jobs with little stability. This underemployment stems from a critical skills gap – the education system is not equipping graduates with the expertise needed by companies. Further complicating matters is automation, which threatens to replace some jobs. Additionally, regional disparities create an uneven economic landscape, pushing people to migrate for better opportunities. On the other hand, the leading authority for technical education in the nation has continuously eliminated numerous degrees, diplomas, and postgraduate programmes in electronics and telecommunication due to a perceived lack of student interest, leaving many questioning the future of the field. This trend has left numerous electronics graduates struggling with job uncertainty.
Supporting manufacturing
The government’s initiatives in the semiconductor sector offer exciting new possibilities for electronics graduates. The Indian government, recognising the pivotal role of semiconductors in shaping the future of technology, has embarked on a transformative journey towards semiconductor self-reliance. Establishing three semiconductor manufacturing units under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), supported by a significant investment of Rs 1.26 trillion (approximately $15.2 billion), is a testament to this commitment. This ambitious endeavour signifies a paradigm shift in India’s technological landscape, fostering indigenous semiconductor fabrication capabilities. This transition offers a shining prospect for graduates in the electronics industry. They are no longer constrained by the conventional decision between studying electronics and opting for IT/non-core roles, they have the chance now, to immerse themselves in semiconductor design and fabrication. This shift in perspective holds the potential to rejuvenate the electronics industry and opens doors to a high-skilled, research and development wing, high-value job opportunities.
The semiconductors will be pivotal in India’s technological advancement and economic growth. By supporting domestic manufacturing and design, India aims to reduce reliance on imports, enhancing resilience to external factors and supply chain disruptions. Additionally, boosting domestic chip production enhances control over critical technology, thus bolstering national security. Furthermore, a strong domestic chip industry sharpens India’s competitive edge, enabling it to compete more effectively in the global market. A growing trend is seen among major manufacturers in the US, Japan, and elsewhere setting their sights on India from China. This shift reflects India’s growing readiness to become a global manufacturing leader. The All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has introduced courses for BTech in Electronics VLSI Design & Technology and Diploma in IC Manufacturing. This vital step will guide many premier universities/colleges in launching semiconductor courses. A Randstad Company survey indicates that the total job demand ranges from 40,000 to 50,000 employees. Projections suggest that by 2025, this sector will have an estimated 100,000 job opportunities. The forecast analysis reveals that the Indian semiconductor market is projected to reach $85 billion by 2028.
(The authors are faculty at DY Patil International University, Akurdi, Pune)
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