Major chip manufacturers face a global shortage of qualified, university-educated personnel. According to the Wall Street Journal, most major manufacturers are scrambling for employees to man the increase in mega-factories under construction.
Suppliers such as ASML and Intel, Samsung and TSMC are diligently seeking suitable personnel. Demand for specialists is extraordinarily high: thousands of vacancies remain unfilled.
The Wall Street Journal notes a source reasoning the shortage is due to IT students increasingly frequently opting to work for large hyperscalers and applications.
Case Study ASML
Dutch manufacturer ASML says “it’s engaged in a war” for personnel. The chip giant expects to need up to 10 percent more employees in the coming years because of the demand for lithography machines for making chips.
ASML plans to increase its recruitment of talent significantly. The company is expanding collaboration with various universities to bring in qualified people in the field of optical technology and electrical engineering.
Problems American manufacturers
Manufacturers Intel and GlobalFoundries are busy bringing in talent as well. Between 70,000 and 90,000 additional employees are needed in chip factories in the United States alone.
For Intel, the shortage of employees is particularly difficult because of its factory construction in Europe.
Situation in Asia
Furthermore, large Asian producers such as Samsung and TSMC are also suffering greatly from the lack of personnel. The monthly shortage of employees for their industry averages 27,700 employees. This shortage is driving salaries up significantly.
The Taiwanese government is setting up special universities and colleges that specialize in chip manufacturing to counteract these shortages and stimulate industry innovation.