Dresden – Saxony faces an enormous demand for workers due to major investments in the semiconductor industry. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) fear a loss of their trained personnel as a result. At an economic meeting in Dresden yesterday, representatives of the chip industry and chambers of commerce attempted to reach an agreement.
Currently, more than 80,000 men and women work in Silicon Saxony. Projections suggest that Saxony’s microelectronics sector will need well over 100,000 employees by 2030.
The search for specialists for the planned chip factories in Dresden should not come at the expense of the region’s SMEs. This was agreed upon yesterday by the heads of the Chamber of Crafts, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and representatives of the expanding tech companies.
In a memorandum of understanding, it was stipulated that chip manufacturers should enhance their in-house training programs.
Additionally, regular exchanges and the maintenance of partnerships between chip companies, chambers, industry associations, SMEs, and startups are planned.
Economic Minister Martin Dulig (50, SPD) referred to this as a “fairness agreement.”
Dresden is the best place for microelectronics in all of Europe, said Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (49, CDU) at the meeting.
However, this requires immigration from other countries, as the development must not come at the expense of SMEs and crafts.
According to Dulig, more than 30 billion euros will be invested in Saxony over the coming years. “Our task is to ensure that these large investments also benefit the smaller enterprises.”