 Career
Path Forecast
Employment of
semiconductor processors is projected to decline through 2016, but
opportunities will be best for those with a 2-year degree and experience
working in high-tech manufacturing.
Employment of semiconductor
processors is projected to decline moderately, decreasing by 13 percent
through 2016. Although the demand for microchips is growing at a very
rapid rate, employment levels in the industry will not increase over the
next 10 years because of automation and the opening of fabricating
plants in other countries. As the electrical components of chips become
smaller, they become more sensitive. This means that chip manufacturers
prefer precise robotics to human workers, who could potentially damage
the chips. Additionally, there is a trend toward moving production to
the areas where demand is most concentrated, thus, reducing the demand
for U.S. exports of microchips. While this has not decreased U.S.
production, fewer new plants are being constructed here.
 Because
of increased automation, most of the new positions created will be for
technicians. While operator jobs will decline as older plants close and
newer plants use more robotics, technician jobs will become more
prevalent as the machinery becomes more complex and needs more
monitoring. Technicians are responsible for understanding more of the
fabrication process, so companies hiring new employees will expect a
higher level of competency.
The demand for
semiconductor chips remains very high, stemming from the many existing
and future applications for semiconductors in computers, appliances,
machinery, biotechnology, vehicles, cell phones, and other equipment.
Despite the decline in
employment, some jobs will open up due to the need to replace workers
who leave the occupation. Because specialized training is required to
excel in this field, the number of openings is expected to remain in
rough balance with the number of qualified job seekers. Prospects will
be best for applicants with an associate degree and experience in
high-tech manufacturing.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
|
|
