Workforce Development

Day two of SEMICON Europa featured The Future of Work, an enlightening session that explored the significance of inclusive leadership in fostering a diverse and sustainable workforce. Speakers addressed pressing industry issues such as the global talent shortage.

Comet Yxlon provides X-ray and  computed tomography (CT) inspection solutions for R&D labs and production environments, including semiconductor manufacturing facilities, to enhance their productivity.

SEMI spoke with Anja Maria Muesch and Dr. Philip Matthes at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany about the challenges and opportunities of generational diversity in the electronics industry workforce.

The Pact for Skills, a new European engagement and governance program, aims to support upskilling & reskilling and generate European, national and regional funding to attract new talent. The Pact makes it a priority to create a well-skilled workforce in microelectronics R&D, design, & manufacturing.

Engaging with employees, understanding their concerns and recognizing their achievements are vital to developing strategic diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) plans and maintaining a company culture that prizes inclusion. DE&I can also be key driver of business success.

Kate Wilson, president of the semiconductor division at Edwards Vacuum, has already made progress in tackling critical issues like reducing Edwards’ carbon footprint, building an inclusive workplace, and contributing to overcoming the global chip shortage.

SEMI spoke with Georgina Janvier, David Mueller, Claudia Mueller-Spohr, and Judy Huang of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany about how companies must understand complex social interactions in work cultures before launching successful DEI initiatives and the lessons from the latest neuroscience.

A SEMI blog earlier this year reported that, according to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), women drop out of engineering careers more steadily and quickly than men. Just 30% of women working in engineering are still in the field after 20 years compared to 35% of men.

Daniel Drellich, VP of Human Resources at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany spoke about the race for talent and DEI strategies in the semiconductor industry, as well as about how Merck is tackling this very important issue.

As the global economy is constantly transformed, the need for new skills in the microelectronics industry has never been higher. To develop a workforce fit for the future, it is crucial to invest not only in reskilling and upskilling, but also in skills anticipation and inclusivity.