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Dresden. The search for skilled workers for the planned chip plants in Dresden should not be at the expense of SMEs in the region. Chambers and companies agreed in a declaration of intent to work together.
Among other things, chip manufacturers are to strengthen their in-company training. Furthermore, a regular exchange and the maintenance of partnerships between chip companies, chambers, industry associations, SMEs and start-ups is planned. Economics Minister Martin Dulig (SPD) spoke of a fairness agreement.
Kretschmer: Dresden is the best place for microelectronics in Europe
According to Minister President Michael Kretschmer, around 100,000 people will be working in the local semiconductor industry by 2030. That is a great success. Building on what was created during the GDR era, Saxony had invested heavily in this sector after reunification. "Now we are at the point where we can say that we are Dresden is the best place for microelectronics in the whole of Europe." Immigration from other countries is needed for this. This development should not be at the expense of small and medium-sized businesses and the skilled trades.
According to Kretschmer, the many small and medium-sized companies, the excellent research institutions and universities in Saxony's microelectronics ecosystem all contribute to the positive economic development in the state. The large companies are the driving force behind the regional economy. The agreement to treat each other fairly in the competition for skilled workers and to cooperate more closely is a strong signal.
Dulig: Saxony must be open to skilled workers from abroad
Dulig was convinced that small and medium-sized companies would also benefit from the investments. It will not be possible to cover the future demand for skilled workers with people from within Germany. "Saxony has often benefited from immigration in the past, not least the chip industry. Only through a culture of openness, tolerance and diversity can we continue to expand our strong ecosystem."
According to Dulig, more than 30 billion euros will be invested in Saxony in the coming years. "Our task is to ensure that these large investments also reach small businesses." The Free State will continue to stand alongside the semiconductor industry to enable additional investment in infrastructure - in housing, childcare and other areas. We have to be attractive for skilled workers.
The skilled trades can also benefit from the chip industry
"The establishment of microelectronics companies is an opportunity for Dresden as a business location, from which the skilled trades can also benefit. However, this will further intensify the competition for skilled workers," emphasized Jörg Dittrich, President of the Dresden Chamber of Crafts. "Politics and business must therefore pull together to ensure an adequate pool of skilled workers."
Lukas Rohleder, Managing Director of the Dresden Chamber of Industry and Commerce, added that the profession of microtechnologist is currently being redesigned in order to adapt the training content to the increasing expectations of the economy.
The Taiwanese company TSMC announced in the summer of 2023 that it would build a semiconductor plant in Dresden with partners by 2027. The company expects the investment sum to exceed ten billion euros. Half of this is expected to be funded by the German government. Infineon is also expanding its capacities in Dresden. (dpa)
