ECSA Skills Strategy Report Highlights Solutions to Europe’s Semiconductor Talent Shortage
The European Chips Skills Academy (ECSA), an EU-funded initiative coordinated by SEMI, has released the Skills Strategy Report by DECISION Etudes & Conseil. The report outlines strategic approaches to address Europe’s growing talent shortage in the semiconductor sector. It offers key insights into the industry’s workforce demand and supply and presents methods to close the talent gap by 2030.
Growing Demand for Semiconductor Talent
The semiconductor industry is expected to experience substantial growth, driven by the EU Chips Act and the increasing demand for chips. By 2030, the report predicts an annual growth rate of 5% in semiconductor-related employment, with over 271,000 job openings anticipated. However, there is a significant challenge—Europe’s current pipeline of graduates is insufficient to meet this demand. The shortage is projected to include more than 75,000 technical jobs in fields such as hardware and software engineering, technicians, and data specialists.
The STEM Graduate Disconnect
Although Europe produced more than 1.1 million STEM graduates in 2022, including 320,000 in semiconductor-related fields, only 6% are expected to enter the semiconductor industry. Many of these graduates are choosing careers in other engineering sectors or unrelated fields. This growing disconnect underscores the need for Europe to address the talent gap urgently.
Short-Term and Long-Term Solutions
ECSA’s Skills Strategy provides both immediate and long-term solutions to close the talent gap:
- Short-Term Solutions: Europe should optimize its existing labor supply by enhancing EU-wide mobility, simplifying visa processes for non-EU workers, and reskilling current employees to meet evolving sector needs.
- Long-Term Solutions: To foster sustainable talent pipelines, the report recommends aligning academic curricula with industry needs and launching strategic communications campaigns to increase student interest in semiconductor disciplines.
Industry and Education Collaboration
Laith Altimime, President of SEMI Europe, emphasized the importance of strategic communications campaigns to inspire more STEM graduates to pursue careers in semiconductors. “The influx of STEM graduates into the sector is heavily shaped by the industry’s ability to project a compelling image,” said Altimime, “further enhancing its attractiveness as a desirable and innovative field for emerging talent.”
Raphaël Beaujeu, Senior Consultant at DECISION Etudes & Conseil, highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between education and industry. “Aligning the academic curricula with the needs of the sector will ensure a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers,” he stated.
ECSA’s Role in Closing the Talent Gap
Initiatives like ECSA are well-positioned to address the talent gap by offering relevant training and working closely with industry leaders. The network of companies involved with ECSA helps promote STEM careers and ensures a diverse and skilled workforce for the semiconductor industry.
With the semiconductor industry playing a critical role in global digital transformation, Europe must focus on closing its skills gap to remain competitive in the global market. Addressing this challenge will be key to driving innovation and sustaining growth in Europe’s digital ecosystem.
