Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Semiconductor Fab Construction
By James Lillis
James Lillis is the Director of Advanced Manufacturing, Technology & Life Sciences (AMTLS) at px Americas. With extensive experience in semiconductor fabrication construction, he is a renowned global leader and SME in Tool Install Design, known for driving operational excellence and leading high-performing teams. James has held various leadership roles, including Technical Advisory Consultant within the high-volume manufacturing industry, Global Design Manager for Intel, Managing Director of Basesite—a software development company specializing in semiconductor engineering solutions—and Operations Director at a global technology delivery company. His expertise in delivering complex, high-volume manufacturing mega projects and his strategic leadership have consistently resulted in remarkable growth and operational success.
James's academic credentials further complement his professional expertise, including a Professional Diploma in AI, a Master of Engineering Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Services & Energy Management.
The semiconductor industry is pivotal to technological advancement, fuelling everything from daily gadgets to critical artificial intelligence applications. As we move toward an era where the industry is projected to grow significantly, reaching a $1 trillion market size, a concerning gap has emerged in the engineering design and overall project lifecycle of semiconductor fab construction. The global talent shortage threatens to stymie this growth, demanding immediate attention and action.
A key issue facing the industry is the imbalance between the aging workforce and the influx of new talent. The semiconductor sector, particularly in areas such as fab construction, is experiencing a wave of retirements without sufficient new graduates to fill these roles. This is compounded by the industry's struggle to attract young talent, who often seek more flexible, digitally oriented careers. This discrepancy is highlighted by projections indicating a potential shortfall of 67,000 jobs by 2030, representing 58% of the new roles expected to be created in the U.S. semiconductor industry alone. Moreover, the industry is grappling with a global talent gap expected to require an additional 1 million workers by the end of this decade.
Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach. First, enhancing educational pathways can significantly bolster the talent pool. Initiatives such as the newly formed Irish Semiconductor Engineering and Construction (SEC) Review can help address both issues, awareness to new graduate of how beneficial and varied careers in the semiconductor construction industry are but also entice the potential retirement ready people into advisory and SME roles. Furthermore, broadening the recruitment scope to include under-utilised talent pools, such as women and older adults who wish to re-enter the workforce, can also mitigate this gap. Programs that emphasise flexibility and well-being are more likely to attract and retain such diverse talent.
Additionally, industry-wide collaboration is essential. By synchronising efforts on workforce development, from updated educational curriculums to apprenticeships, and by ensuring these initiatives are supported by policy and incentives, the semiconductor industry can cultivate a robust, skilled workforce capable of sustaining its growth and innovation trajectory.
Overall, while the challenge is significant, targeted educational programs, inclusive hiring practices, and industry collaboration hold the key to closing the knowledge gap in semiconductor fab construction, ensuring the industry continues to thrive in an increasingly digital future.
References:
https://semi.org/en/blogs/semi-news/global-semiconductor-industry-driving-%241-trillion-and-
beyond-together
https://www.intc.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1650/intel-editorial-intel-addresses-
semiconductor-workforce
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/semiconductors/our-insights/how-semiconductor-
companies-can-fill-the-expanding-talent-gap
