- Construction of a microelectronics education facility is planned in Radeberg.
In Saxony, plans are underway to set up a microelectronics training cluster (SAM) to cater to the future workforce needs of the semiconductor industry. At their final gathering before the state elections, the cabinet gave the go-ahead for this project. Commencing with the training year 2028/29, around 1,000 training slots will be provided.
The proposed training center will feature its own sterile area. Existing facilities will undergo an overhaul and expansion for this purpose. Radeberg is set to introduce a new microtechnology training campus, incorporating a sterile area, which is valued at 75 million euros. The Ministry of Economics intends to tap into the European Regional Development Fund for this project.
The responsibility for training mechatronics engineers will fall upon the non-profit Metall and Elektroausbildung GmbH, based in Kesselsdorf near Dresden. The organization is planning an investment of 48 million euros in this venture, with Saxony funding it through a federal program. However, the possibility of training occurring in Kesselsdorf is yet to be clarified.
Craftsmen and SMEs will reap the benefits
Economics Minister Martin Dulig (SPD) stated the choice of Radeberg. He affirmed that local craftsmen and SMEs, an essential component of Silicon Saxony, should directly profit from semiconductor development investments.
Radeberg has secured a plot of land near its train station, which has been abandoned for the last 30 years. This plot will be utilized for the campus, allowing Radeberg to take part in high-tech advancements directly. Mayor Frank Höhme (independent) commented, "Radeberg benefits once more from its proximity to Dresden."
Last year, Taiwanese industry titan TSMC, in collaboration with partners, announced the establishment of a chip factory in Dresden, estimated to cost around 10 billion euros. The construction commencement ceremony took place recently. Infineon too looks forward to expanding production at its Dresden manufacturing site.
The semiconductor industry employment numbers are projected to boom by 2030
As per Dulig, Saxony is likely to become one of Europe's most important and substantial semiconductor industry locations permanently; currently, one-third of all European chips originate from Saxony. Expansions and the settling of large corporations will continue to increase the international recognition of the region.
According to his estimates, Saxony will have around 80,000 employees in the industry by 2030. This figure is expected to surpass 100,000, resulting in an annual increase of up to 3,000 new employees. The substantially high demand for skilled workers in the semiconductor industry, suppliers, and the regional SME sector cannot be satisfied using existing resources. Hence, the need for additional training has arisen.
Saxony also intends to employ targeted recruitment strategies. "With our settlement and research policy, we aim to attract talented individuals from all over the world, fostering a culture of enjoyment and permanence here," Dulig reiterated. A welcoming and inclusive environment is essential for further expanding the strong ecosystem of this industry.
The following training slots for mechatronics engineers will be provided starting from 2028/29 as part of the SAM project in Saxony. As affirmed by Economics Minister Martin Dulig, the objective is to enable local craftsmen and SMEs to directly profit from semiconductor development investments.
