#Japan #Tokyo #KOSEN #Semiconductor Skills #SSKC

Introduction

As the demand for talent in the semiconductor industry continues to escalate, a groundbreaking initiative is being spearheaded by educational institutions in Japan. The National Institute of Technology (Kosen) is collaborating with the Kumamoto National College of Technology and CertPro Inc. to launch a certification program that measures and certifies the semiconductor skills of students. This program, known as the Semiconductor Skills for Kosen Certification (SSKC), aims to bridge the gap between education and industry needs, providing a standardized assessment of student competencies in semiconductor technologies.

SSKC Program Overview

The SSKC program, initiated by the National Institute of Technology in Tokyo, is designed to evaluate students' semiconductor skills against industry standards. The program consists of two levels: Fundamental 0, which focuses on basic skills, and Fundamental 1, which delves into advanced skills necessary for careers in the semiconductor sector. The first practical exams for Fundamental 0 are scheduled for fiscal year 2024, with exams for Fundamental 1 following in fiscal year 2025.

Unique Features of SSKC

Unlike traditional certification programs that typically assess individuals already in the workforce, SSKC is tailored for current students, integrating directly into the educational curriculum. This ensures that students are not only taught the necessary skills but are also evaluated on their ability to apply them in real-world contexts. Furthermore, by establishing a common standard for skills assessment, SSKC is expected to mitigate mismatches between graduate capabilities and employer expectations, a persistent issue contributing to Japan's shortage of semiconductor professionals.

The Demand for Semiconductor Talent

By 2030, Japan is projected to face a deficit of 35,000 semiconductor professionals, exacerbated by significant investments in domestic semiconductor manufacturing facilities, such as the TSMC factory in Kumamoto. The labor shortage is critical, with companies scrambling to find qualified technicians to meet industry requirements. The SSKC program is a proactive response to this urgent challenge, ensuring that students receive not only educational training but also validated competencies sought after by employers.

Overcoming Barriers in Educational Assessment

Historically, technical colleges have faced challenges in demonstrating their educational outcomes. While Kosen provides practical, hands-on training equivalent to or exceeding university-level education, external validation of their graduates’ competencies has been lacking. The introduction of a structured evaluation mechanism like SSKC offers a solution to this issue, creating a common language between Kosen institutions and the industry, which directly addresses disagreements about what skills constitute 'work-ready' graduates.

Expected Outcomes

The program leverages the extensive network of 51 Kosen colleges, educating around 50,000 students nationwide. By fostering collaboration between educational institutions and the semiconductor industry, the SSKC aims to create a sustainable talent pipeline that maintains high educational standards while swiftly adapting to market demands. This new model not only helps students gauge their marketability but also aids companies in refining their recruitment processes.