Job Prospects for Female Professionals in Electronics Sector of India

The electronics sector in India is witnessing a significant shift, with an increasing number of women taking up roles in manufacturing, design, and various related fields. This transformation is driven by a demand for a skilled, diverse workforce and initiatives aimed at fostering an inclusive environment.

Women are being hired in electronics factories for their dexterity, precision, and focus, particularly in roles like soldering, assembling, testing, and quality control. Companies like Micron and NXP are leading the charge, fostering inclusive environments with flexible work policies, maternity benefits, and return-ship programs for women re-entering the workforce.

Beyond the factory floor, women are excelling in roles like chip design, verification, and testing in the semiconductor industry. Opportunities abound for B.Tech or M.Tech graduates in Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields, with roles such as VLSI design engineer and semiconductor manufacturing engineer on offer.

Tata Motors employs 1,500 women in its SUV production line, and MG Motor India has 37% women on its shop floor. These numbers are a testament to the growing presence of women in the industry.

The Society for Women Engineers (SWE) India chapter is actively promoting the advancement of women in the electronics industry through mentorship programs, skill development workshops, networking events, and advocacy initiatives aimed at increasing female participation in technology fields.

Skill India Initiatives provide training in VLSI, AI, and IoT, targeting women to bridge the skill gap. The Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) plays a pivotal role in this empowerment, offering industry-aligned training and developing over 75 job roles aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF).

Women can pursue a B.Tech/B.E. in Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields, and enroll in ESSCI courses for industry-recognized certifications. The salaries for roles like VLSI Design Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer, PCB Design Engineer, and Semiconductor Manufacturing Engineer range from ₹5-20 LPA.

Skilled women are not only finding success in traditional roles but are also starting businesses in LED bulb manufacturing units, repair centers for electronics and white goods, retail of components and accessories, and local e-waste collection and recycling businesses.

India's electronics industry is projected to grow significantly, with the semiconductor market alone expected to reach $100-110 billion by 2030, driven by technologies like AI, IoT, 5G, and EVs. The industry is projected to surpass USD 300 billion by 2026.

ESSCI supports women entrepreneurs by linking them to funding agencies, mentoring, and digital platforms. The Science and Technology for Women Program also promotes women's participation in STEM through research and skill development.

The 2017 Maternity Bill and policies addressing workplace safety support women's retention in the workforce, further encouraging their participation in the industry. Diploma holders and trained candidates can find opportunities in service and repair of smartphones, TVs, and consumer electronics, solar system installation and maintenance, EV charging station technicians, and automation and IoT device installation.

In conclusion, the electronics sector in India is witnessing a surge in women's participation, driven by a combination of industry initiatives, government policies, and the growing demand for a skilled, diverse workforce. This trend is expected to continue, with the industry's projected growth offering ample opportunities for women to excel and make their mark.