Representatives from academia and industry discuss future skills for the semiconductor industry.
On November 26, 2024, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, under the leadership of the Vice-Rector for Education and International Affairs, Professor Sophia Keil, supported by the industry network Silicon Saxony e.V., invited Saxony's high-tech industry to the workshop "Future skills for the semiconductor industry: designing the skills profile of tomorrow's graduates" at the Celsiuz Co-Creation Lab in Zittau.
Around 30 representatives of leading Saxon semiconductor companies, including Applied Materials GmbH, the Fraunhofer Group for Microelectronics/Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD), Infineon Technologies Dresden GmbH & Co KG, Robert Bosch Semiconductor Manufacturing Dresden GmbH and Silicon Saxony e.V., and the HSZG contributed their expertise and discussed together which specialist, interdisciplinary and practical skills the next generation of specialists should have for their industry.
The aim of the event was to analyze the expectations and requirements of the semiconductor industry and to develop practice-oriented skills profiles for graduates. The results will help to design new study programs that promote both the recruitment and long-term retention of skilled workers - a decisive step for the sustainable strengthening of this key industry and the development of the Upper Lusatia region.
Following the opening of the workshop by the Rector of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, Professor Alexander Kratzsch, and a presentation of the university's education and research profile by the Vice-Rector for Education and International Affairs, Professor Sophia Keil, a keynote speech was given by Dr. Germar Schneider, Senior Manager at Infineon Technologies Dresden GmbH & Co. KG, on the current and future challenges in the semiconductor industry.
Dr. Schneider emphasized the importance of future skills and the role of practice-oriented training in securing skilled workers - especially with regard to the developments of Industry 4.0 and 5.0.
The participants then worked on specific issues in three working groups:
Chair: Ronny Freudenreich, M.A., D2C2 project team member
The theme table focused on future skills in general, i.e. skills that go beyond traditional professional qualifications and enable people to deal with the demands of a rapidly changing, digital and globally networked working world. With the help of the persona method, essential key skills were identified and categorized into must-have, should-have and nice-to-have skills. The resulting recommendations for action will play a key role in the development of future curricula for the semiconductor industry.
"The discussions at the table helped us to describe tailor-made, practice-oriented courses of study that will help the Saxony region to meet the strong demand for specialists in the semiconductor industry in the coming years and provide graduates with extensive specialist knowledge to start their careers."
Dr. Germar Schneider, Senior Manager at Infineon Technologies Dresden GmbH & Co.
Chair: Prof. Dr. Gerd Fischer, Prof. Dr. Jan Mollitor, Prof. Dr. Jens Weber
The aim of this thematic table was to systematically compare the curriculum concept for a newly designed Bachelor's degree course in "Semiconductor Processes and Materials Chemistry" with the requirements and experiences of industry. The participants confirmed already integrated content and identified topics that should be prioritized or focused on more strongly. Proposals for new modules and adjustments to existing course content were developed in order to make the curriculum more practice-oriented and even better tailored to the needs of the semiconductor industry.
"The discussions on the curriculum development of a Bachelor's degree course in "Semiconductor Processes and Materials Chemistry" showed us how important it is to align degree courses closely with the needs of the semiconductor industry. At the same time, we were impressed by how important future skills, e.g. the ability to present, were in demand in addition to the specialist skills that are absolutely paramount."
Prof. Dr. Jens Weber & Prof. Dr. Gerd Fischer, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Chaired by: Daniel Winkler, M.A., lecturer for university didactics
The third topic table dealt with the skills profile for digital transformation managers. During the discussion, it became clear that, in addition to technical knowledge, these specialists also need in-depth knowledge in areas such as data analysis, AI, process management and intercultural communication in order to successfully accompany the digital transformation. The participants developed a comprehensive skills profile that includes both specialist skills and soft skills.
"Participating in the workshop was a valuable experience for me, as we were able to discuss the common requirements of the future in the semiconductor industry together with industry colleagues and create concrete points for a future curriculum through the methodically very well prepared topic tables. Such collaborations between teaching and practice are incredibly enriching for both sides and benefit the common target group of 'young talents' the most."
Juliane Thieme, HR Manager Germany & Austria, Tokyo Electron Europe Ltd.
The results of the working groups were then presented and reflected upon in an open discussion. It became clear that the workshop not only facilitated a valuable exchange between science and industry, but also made a concrete contribution to the development of needs-based, practice-oriented degree courses at the HSCG.
The skills profiles and curriculum adjustments developed form the basis for future courses at the university, which are specifically tailored to the needs of the semiconductor industry and are due to start by 2026 at the latest. In this way, the HSZG is making a decisive contribution to attracting the skilled workers of tomorrow to the region and retaining them in the long term. The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences sees itself as an important player in the dialog between science and industry and will intensify this profitable exchange in other formats in the future.
The Vice-Rector, Professor Sophia Keil, would like to thank the topic mentors from the Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Professor Gerd Fischer, Professor Jan Mollitor and Professor Jens Weber, the university didactics advisor Daniel Winkler, Ronny Freudenreich, a member of the D2C2 project and Leonie Liemich for the overall moderation. Special thanks go to Dr. Germar Schneider, Senior Manager at Infineon Technologies Dresden GmbH & Co. KG for his keynote speech and Ms. Katrin Meusinger, Head of the HR & Education department of the Silicon Saxony e.V. industry network for her support and especially to all participants who made this groundbreaking event possible.
