The European Chips Skills Academy (ECSA or ECS-Academy) is a dynamic and forward-looking project supported by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program. Operating within the framework of the “Alliances for Sectoral Cooperation on Skills”, ECSA’s consortium is on a strategic four-year mission to address the pressing challenges faced by the microelectronics industry on the road towards the digital transition in Europe.
ECSA’s goal is ambitious yet straight forward: to bridge the gap between education and industry and foster innovative programs that confront this challenge head on.
How? By establishing a robust platform for dialogue, strategic planning, and decisive action in the realms of skills development, skills anticipation, upskilling, and reskilling of the workforce.
The project intends to enhance innovation and fortify the overall resilience of the microelectronics sector in Europe. As we strive to make a lasting impact, we intend to grow a premier alliance that can endure beyond the lifetime of the project to continue to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and success. ECSA is deeply committed to making a significant contribution to the European Union’s objectives for a seamless digital transition because, let’s face it, there’s no digital without chips!
We want to make a lasting Impact.
WHY A EUROPEAN CHIPS SKILLS ACADEMY?
MICROELECTRONICS IN EUROPE
The ECS-Academy aligns closely with the latest European policy developments and objectives and, with partners from across Europe, is well-placed to respond to dynamic needs around the continent. On one front, the EU is propelling itself towards a digitally transformed era, marked by ambitious long-term targets and by the vision of a more prosperous and resilient Europe. Simultaneously, official EU policy documents, industry reports, and technical market analyses point towards a concerning trend in the microelectronics industry. The sector, both in Europe and globally, struggles with the challenge of sourcing a skilled workforce, leading to a worldwide “talent war” as all corners of the globe seek out the trained professionals needed for this innovative and expanding sector.
AN ERA
OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IS COMING.
GLOBAL “TALENT WAR”
TRAINED PROFESSIONALS ARE BEING SOUGHT IN ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD.
The increasing demand for engineers and technicians is evident as vacancies multiply, underpinned in part by the continuous stream of technological advancement.
To navigate this landscape successfully, constant upskilling (and reskilling!) in areas such as R&D, design, manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI) ethics, cybersecurity, and energy efficiency is crucial.
Aware of these challenges, the EU Commission launched a series of initiatives, above all the “Microelectronics Pact for Skills” (2020) and the “EU Chips Act” (2023) to embolden Europe’s microelectronics ecosystem.
Co-funded by