Gandhinagar, May 19: The semiconductor industry is rapidly developing in Gujarat’s Dholera and Sanand regions. To meet the demand for skilled manpower in this sector, the Gujarat government has initiated a significant program.
Recently, the first batch of 16 students graduated from the ‘UHP Semiconductor Welding Program’ at the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) located in Dholera, the state’s semiconductor hub. The second batch has also commenced.
The ‘UHP (Ultra High Purity) Semiconductor Welding Program’ is a crucial initiative at the ITI level, designed to prepare specialized manpower for cleanroom environments essential for semiconductor manufacturing. This program is conducted in collaboration with the Tata Indian Institute of Skills (Tata IIS) and Tata Electronics.
This is the first of its kind in the country, where an ITI has established cleanroom training facilities specifically for semiconductor preparation, directly linked to the commercial semiconductor fabs being developed in the country.
Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the semiconductor industry in the state has gained momentum. The state government has launched various skill development programs in collaboration with different companies to ensure the availability of skilled manpower for these industries.
Students in this program receive training in Ultra High Purity (UHP) welding, which is essential for contamination-free gas delivery and process piping systems in semiconductor fabs. Admission is open to students enrolled at ITIs or those who have completed any trade, with no specific trade prerequisites. Candidates are selected by the Tata Indian Institute of Skills.
Officials associated with the program revealed that Tata Electronics has established a containerized ISO Class 1 cleanroom facility at ITI Dholera. Tata Electronics fully operates this facility, providing the necessary funding, ensuring no capital burden on the ITI or the Gujarat government.
This lab simulates real semiconductor manufacturing conditions, offering students practical training in a genuine cleanroom environment. Students gain experience as if they are working in a semiconductor industry, receiving training accordingly.
The lab is equipped with specialized tools, including orbital welding machines, infrared (IR) fusion welding systems, helium leak testing systems, pressure testing setups, and cleanroom infrastructure such as air locks and air shower systems.
The program spans six weeks, with two weeks of training at the IIS in Ahmedabad, followed by four weeks of advanced training at the cleanroom facility at ITI Dholera.
Students are trained in cleanroom protocols, precision tube preparation, orbital and IR fusion welding, leak testing, quality inspection, and documentation practices. Approximately 70% of the training is hands-on, with continuous performance evaluation and tracking of trainees. In-house trainers from the Tata Institute of Skills provide instruction, and the entire curriculum is tailored to meet industry needs as defined by Tata Electronics.
Notably, the semiconductor industry in Gujarat is rapidly evolving, with the government collaborating with the private sector to provide specialized training for youth, preparing them as skilled manpower for the industry. In this context, a total of 16 students from Dholera and surrounding areas have successfully completed this specialized training, and the second batch has begun.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the semiconductor industry has gained global recognition. Meanwhile, under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s leadership, Gujarat has become a leader in the semiconductor sector, attracting investments of approximately ₹1.25 lakh crore and accounting for nearly 40% of India’s approved semiconductor production capacity.
Graduates of this program are prepared to work as UHP-certified precision welders, equipped with cleanroom experience. Their profiles have been shared with general contractors approved by Tata Electronics, who are working on the semiconductor fab in Dholera, providing these trainees with direct job opportunities.
For trained students, opportunities also exist in semiconductor fabs, EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractors, and high-purity piping and gas delivery systems used in advanced manufacturing environments.
Gujarat is at the forefront of India’s semiconductor revolution. The state has implemented the ‘Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-27,’ which offers financial incentives, land allocation, and expedited approvals, along with essential facilities like electricity, water, and gas. The state’s strategic geographic location, extensive coastline, major ports, connectivity with the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), and infrastructure such as airports, highways, and railways make it highly favorable for industries.
As a result of the Gujarat government’s efforts, the state now holds approximately 40% of India’s approved semiconductor production capacity, including investments of around ₹1.25 lakh crore.
Leave a Comment