In the coming decade Pact for Skills will face several challenges:
To make European training centers, universities and industries work together in a Network for Microelectronics Design, Manufacturing, and Technology Training on a regional and national level, while also using public/ private partnerships.
To develop effective training programs for this network, that are online, vocational, and easily accessible for European workers and students, and to constantly update the training content to the latest developments in microelectronics design and manufacturing. The network has to be tailored to upskilling as well as reskilling.
The above will have to be supported by a blueprint and roll-out efforts of local Pact for Skills initiatives in all EU countries to develop education clusters, especially for manufacturing and service profiles because the shortage of these skills is the largest.
To increase the attractiveness of the sector by launching an awareness campaign showing (young) people the many opportunities that jobs in the microelectronics industry can offer, and how this industry has a meaningful place to make a better world. In order to achieve this, the programs will also have to “speak” the language of the young people, using the social media communication of today. It will be a challenge to touch the hearts and minds of all the Europeans on how semiconductors contribute to a better life and a better planet.
Moreover, in general, a significant impact will have to be created on the number of students in the STEM field, and specifically to achieve a 50% women participation in the microelectronics industry in Europe before the end of the coming decade. Therefore, all aspects of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will have to be promoted throughout each Pact for Skills initiative in an effective way.