India’s growing semiconductor and electronics manufacturing sector will require over 6.3
million skilled workers, including shop-floor workers, purchasing managers, and engineers,
within the next 18 to 24 months. This demand spans roles in equipment service, integration,
and middleware departments.
While some of this demand may be met internally as employees seek better opportunities, the
majority will need to be filled by fresh graduates. However, a significant gap exists, with the
industry currently hiring only three out of every five required roles, according to an executive
from an electronics manufacturing company.
Ajay Sharma, Director of the National Institute of Technology in Delhi, and Mahesh Verma,
Vice-Chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, emphasized the importance
of industry collaboration with educational institutions to address this shortfall. Setting up
research centers and labs on campuses is crucial but challenging due to accountability and
result-oriented expectations from companies.
V Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice-Chancellor of BITS Pilani, highlighted the need for industries
to actively participate in curriculum design to ensure graduates are industry-ready. The
demand for talent in the sector is expected to grow by 25 to 30% over the previous year,
driven by infrastructure and industrial park development.
The future will see a shift in skilling requirements, with roles in assembly, testing, design,
R&D, quality assurance, and after-sales service expanding to include manufacturing.
Companies are encouraged to tap into underutilized talent pools, such as women, and offer
flexible work options to attract and retain talent.
Initiatives by companies like Flex and Zetwerk aim to develop leadership and soft skills
among employees, ensuring a well-rounded workforce. Ashok Chandak, President of the
India Electronics and Semiconductor Association, suggested that government incentives and
nominal training fees could further support skill development in the industry.
Overall, a collaborative approach between industry and educational institutions, along with
innovative talent management strategies, is essential to bridging the skills gap in India’s
semiconductor and electronics manufacturing sector.
