Semiconductor Industry and Apprenticeships in India
India is currently experiencing a semiconductor boom, with the government investing heavily in the sector in an effort to boost domestic production. The Indian semiconductor market is expected to reach USD 55 Billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 20% during the period 2022-2026. This has led to a growing demand for skilled semiconductor workers, and apprenticeships are seen as a way to help meet this demand.
Apprenticeships offer a number of benefits for both employers and apprentices. For employers, apprenticeships provide a way to train new workers on the job, while also getting them to work on real projects. This can be a valuable way to build up a skilled workforce, especially in a sector like semiconductors where there is a shortage of talent. During an interaction with Vidushi, Sumit Kumar, Chief Business Officer, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship discussed the ways to build up a valuable skilled workforce and the skills required by them.
How is the Indian semiconductor market expected to grow by 2026, and what role is the government playing in this growth?
The Indian semiconductor market is expected to reach USD 55 Billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 20% during the period 2022-2026. In addition, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the electronics sector, which offers a $1.7 Bn incentive package for companies establishing semiconductor manufacturing facilities in India, is a groundbreaking initiative from the government. Additionally, the government has introduced the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) and other schemes such as Chips to Startup (C2S) and Scheme for Promotion of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) to support the industry. To ensure a skilled workforce for the future, the government has also launched programs to develop and nurture talent in the semiconductor industry.
Can you explain the significance of apprenticeships in meeting the growing demand for skilled semiconductor workers in India?
The growth potential has led to a growing demand for skilled semiconductor workers, and apprenticeships are seen as a way to help meet this demand. The aim is to create a talent supply chain and workforce development via apprenticeships. There are two main areas where demand for talent arises in the semiconductor industry – R&D and Manufacturing, with apprenticeships playing a key link in addressing the demand for talent in manufacturing processes, thereby helping in building capacity and capability
What are the key skills that apprentices can gain while working in the semiconductor industry, and why are these skills valuable?
Semiconductor manufacturing processes, Quality control and testing, Packaging and assembly, Materials science, data analysis are the key skills that apprentices can gain while working in the semiconductor industry.
Could you provide examples of certifications and specialized training programs that are highly regarded in the semiconductor industry?
Some certifications and specialized training programs that are highly valued in the semiconductor industry include, Certified Semiconductor Manufacturing Technologist (CSMT), Certified Semiconductor Manufacturing Engineer (CSMSE), Certified Fabless Engineer (CFE), Certified Design Engineer (CDE)
How do apprenticeships benefit employers in the semiconductor industry, and what advantages do they offer in building a skilled workforce?
Apprenticeships offer a number of benefits for both employers and apprentices. For employers, apprenticeships provide a way to train new workers on the job, while also getting them to work on real projects. This can be a valuable way to build up a skilled workforce, especially in a sector like semiconductors where there is a shortage of talent.
Can you elaborate on the role of apprentices in working on real projects in the semiconductor sector, and how does this contribute to their skill development?
One of the key advantages of apprenticeships is OJT – On the Job training, where by shadowing senior colleagues on real life projects, they can gain real-time and invaluable technical skills that augments their theoretical learning, and develop an overall understanding of job requirements.
