The semiconductor industry is facing a severe labor shortage, with over one million skilled workers needed by 2030. This issue extends beyond the US, affecting key players worldwide and threatening to impede the sector’s growth and innovation. Countries like Taiwan, South Korea, China, Japan, and Europe are also struggling to find enough qualified workers.
The lack of awareness about semiconductor careers among potential recruits is a significant factor in the talent gap. The competition for semiconductor talent has also been showing signs of getting even tighter, with companies like Taiwan’s TSMC recruiting experienced workers from around the world.
To address this issue, the US has introduced measures under the CHIPS and Science Act, which allocates substantial funding towards the development of the semiconductor workforce. This includes a focus on technician roles and jobs that do not require a bachelor’s degree, as about 60% of new semiconductor positions fall into these categories.
The Act also promotes various initiatives to build a robust talent pipeline, including the launch of a workforce partner alliance and additional application processes. The National Semiconductor Technology Center will award grants to up to 10 workforce development projects with budgets ranging from $500,000 to $2 million.
Despite these efforts, the semiconductor industry is likely to continue facing labor shortages in the long-term due to factors such as lack of career advancement opportunities, workplace inflexibility, and insufficient support.