Attracting talent to automotive semiconductors

Since the early twentieth century, automobiles have transformed both the literal and economic landscape.

The automotive industry has been pivotal in innovations such as the conveyor belt and the automation of assembly lines. Its workforce has evolved to include craftsmen, line workers, engineers, and technicians.

As we enter the fourth industrial age, with the full electrification and digitization of cars, the workforce must continue to evolve. It now needs to include software developers, data analysts, and AI specialists, along with experts in the core technology driving this revolution: semiconductors.

Semiconductor skill gap

The competition for semiconductor talent is intense. There are too few graduates in fields like electrical engineering. materials science, chemical engineering and computer engineering to meet the projected demand.

Additionally, the automotive industry is not an obvious choice for potential employees with semiconductor skills. The image of the car as a supercomputer on wheels is established within the sector. But it needs broader recognition to attract young semiconductor professionals to a career in automobiles over smartphones or servers.

Recruitment and retention strategies

The automotive industry's success in its digital transformation hinges on its ability to attract and retain semiconductor talent. Effective strategies include:

• Launching employer branding campaigns to reshape the industry's image as part of the tech sector.
• Partnering with schools, universities, government and industry to inform and actively recruit potential talent.
• Providing (re)training programs focused on the latest developments in semiconductor technologies to guide existing employees into new roles.

These initiatives require significant effort and must be implemented promptly. Therefore, a joint, coordinated approach by the automotive ecosystem is the best path forward.

Worldwide and local initiatives

Semiconductor talent and technologies for automotive research (star) was established to bridge the automotive and semiconductor industries. The initiative addresses challenges like attracting semiconductor talent to the automotive sector. By supporting various workforce development initiatives, star aims to fill the talent pipeline.

Its US chapter, mstar, focuses on initiatives in the Michigan region, collaborating with local educational institutions such as K-12 schools, vocational schools, community colleges, four-year colleges, and research universities. With support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the University of Michigan, Washtenaw Community College, GM and KLA are developing tailored, age-appropriate education pathways from early exposure workshops for K-12 to short courses for high school and community college students and working technicians.