European Chips Skills Academy

ongoing

In today’s life and economy, microelectronics is ubiquitous, empowering the equipment for virtually all daily activities: aviation, automotive, health care, communication and even leisure would not be possible without a microelectronics component (commonly referred to as microchip or chip). EU’s microelectronics ecosystem is undermined by a shortage of professionals, skills mismatches and distance between the worlds of education and work. Recent geopolitical upheavals and chips shortages highlight the importance of technological resilience in microelectronics. When it comes to microelectronics, Europe can no longer afford to depend on other countries. Aware of those challenges, the EU Commission launched a series of initiatives, above all the launch of a Microelectronics Pact for Skills (2020) and the publication of the “EU Chips Act” (adoption foreseen) to revamp Europe’s microelectronics ecosystem. Yet, the Pact for Skills has yet to deliver on its expectations and innovative approaches towards education and training in microelectronics are required. ECS-Academy’s is an initiator of a large-scale and durable endeavour that will foster innovation and resilience of the microelectronics sector. It will bridge the gap between education, training and industry to tackle Europe’s skills and talent shortages. ESC-Academy will 1) implement and operationalise the Pact for Skills 2) establish the first-of-a-kind decentralised academy for microelectronics, linking industry, research, HE and VET currently operating in isolation 3) develop innovative training and curriculum to provide reactive and proactive response to the skills needs of the sector. ECS-Academy is a robust Alliance, with 18 partners, 30+ organisations endorsing the project, and covering the whole of the EU Educational Area. The consortium represents the value chain of microelectronics and the full spectrum of education and training, and will reach 984,706 direct contacts in valorisation activities.