Saxony plans training campus for microelectronics in Radeberg
Saxony today gave the green light for the Microelectronics Training Cluster (SAM). The common goal is to secure the emerging demand for skilled workers in the semiconductor industry. Up to 1,000 training places are to be made available from the 2028 / 29 training year. To achieve this, the state wants to modernize and expand existing training facilities. There is also a need for new training rooms, laboratories and workshops as well as a clean room, which can also be used for further training. This new training campus for microtechnologists is to be built in Radeberg.
Saxony's Minister of Economic Affairs, Martin Dulig, explains: “We have deliberately chosen Radeberg as the location. In doing so, we are ensuring that the positive effects of semiconductor development reach the Dresden region directly. The skilled trades and SMEs are an elementary component of Silicon Saxony. We are ensuring that they continue to benefit from the investments of global corporations. The microelectronics training cluster is a major building block for the demand for skilled workers. The special commitment of the town of Radeberg and the district of Bautzen has convinced us.”
Saxony has developed into the most important location for the semiconductor industry in Europe: Every third chip produced in Europe comes from Saxony. The international appeal of the region will continue to grow through the expansion and relocation of large companies such as Infineon, Bosch and ESMC. Following the creation of the industrial base and the expansion of research and development capacities, the provision of qualified training and skilled workers will be the greatest challenge in the coming years. Today, around 80,000 people work in the industry in Saxony. By 2030, there will be over 100,000. That is an annual increase of up to 3,000 new employees. The large demand for skilled workers in the semiconductor industry, suppliers and regional SMEs cannot be met from the existing workforce. In addition to investing in training facilities to strengthen dual initial training, a new umbrella structure is to be initiated in close cooperation between industry, chambers, regional SMEs and training service providers - which will be responsible for targeted recruitment and better external marketing. This new umbrella structure is to be organized via Silicon Saxony e. V. and further increase the appeal of Saxony as a microelectronics location. To this end, other existing training facilities are to be modernized and expanded, such as the mechatronics technician training in Kesselsdorf (district of Saxon Switzerland - Eastern Erzgebirge Region).
Close and fair cooperation between microelectronics companies and the regional economy is also and especially important when it comes to training and recruiting skilled workers. The necessary demand should be secured by significantly expanding training capacities as well as through targeted recruitment. On August 12, 2024, the Saxon chambers and microelectronics companies signed a corresponding commitment to cooperative collaboration, particularly in the recruitment of skilled workers.