The global semiconductor industry is facing a shortage of workers, which is the largest impediment to growth. According to EETimes, the shortage is due to an aging generation of semiconductor engineers preparing to retire, as well as government stimulus programs like the U.S. CHIPS Act that are aimed at building secure regional supply chains.
In the U.S., where the CHIPS Act has spurred more than $200 billion worth of new fab investments, positions for more than 100,000 skilled workers remain unfilled. The shortage extends from construction workers to engineers who run fabs and design chips.
The introduction of the $52 billion CHIPS Act stimulus package in the U.S. last year and the expectation that demand for personnel will surge during the next five years is fueling a spike in compensation packages.
The talent gap is likely to widen soon, as many skilled engineers are nearing retirement and there are not enough younger people to replace them. In addition, companies like Google and Amazon are often more attractive to electronic engineers because of better pay and greater prestige.
While companies like TSMC and Samsung count on electronic engineers with master’s degrees and PhDs to run their fabs in Asia, chipmakers in the U.S. will likely need to rely on military veterans to fill the breach.
Government incentives for the industry will lack impact without sufficient personnel to run the new fabs under construction in the U.S., industry insiders said.
The shortage is likely to get worse in the coming years, as the demand for semiconductors continues to grow.
There are a number of things that can be done to address the shortage of workers, such as increasing the number of people who are studying semiconductor engineering and providing more training opportunities for workers.
To avoid electronics supply-chain disruptions, you may also wish to consult an expert in electronics component supply. With more than three decades of supply-chain expertise, Astute Electronics is ideally placed to work with you on your daily component requirements.
For more help with looking at supply chain options, contact Astute Electronics
