World Youth Skills Day: what challenges and opportunities in the semiconductor industry?
In line with the State of the Digital Decade Report 2025, which highlights the work still needed for the digital transformation, technological sovereignty, and security of the EU, this year’s theme for World Youth Skills Day spotlights two large areas that are already playing a critical role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: AI and advanced digital technology. As these innovations reshuffle the cards on what it means to be competitive in today's global economy, Higher Education, Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET) must evolve to prepare youth for these shifts. The EU semiconductor industry stands out as a clear example of where advanced, hands-on training is urgently needed to maintain technological leadership and reduce strategic dependencies in Europe.
When analysing the skills gap in the EU chips industry, the often mentioned critical areas include AI, system engineering, quantum, and data science, as stated in the ALLPROS.eu blueprint report. A closer examination reveals that manufacturers encounter even greater challenges in skills related to software and hardware integration, exacerbated by a shortage of technicians within the workforce.
However, the competences required to work in the semiconductor industry, don’t only pertain to technical skills, but also to transferable skills such as communication, data analysis, problem-solving, project management, presentation and leadership. Some of these are heavily covered in STEM education (such as data analysis or problem solving), whereas others, such as presentation and leadership, might suffer.
While soft skills such as project management and leadership can be acquired through paths that might sound unconventional for the chip industry, recruitment in the sector is heavily biassed towards STEM backgrounds, especially Engineering, Physics and Computer Science, but what is stopping semiconductor manufacturers from recruiting a biology graduate if they have the required experience in data science? What is the obstacle? For this challenge to become an opportunity to enlarge the talent pool, the industry needs to work cooperatively to enhance the structures that support upskilling and re-skilling of young professionals. How? Via solid apprenticeship programmes and practice-based microcredentials (read more of our recommendations in the blueprint report).
Bridging the skills gap in Europe’s semiconductor industry is not only crucial for competitiveness but also for empowering the next generation to thrive in a rapidly changing world. World Youth Skills Day reminds us of the power of investing in diverse, adaptable skill sets and embracing an inclusive approach to chip skills for Europe’s chips ecosystem.
Do you want to be part of the change? Become a member of the WG on Skills of the Industrial Alliance for Processors and Semiconductor Technologies!