Gandhinagar: As the semiconductor industry gains momentum in the Dholera and Sanand regions of the state, efforts have been stepped up to create a skilled workforce for the sector. In this direction, the first batch of 16 students from the ‘Ultra High Purity (UHP) Semiconductor Welding Program’ has passed out after completing training at the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Dholera, while the second batch has already commenced.

The UHP Semiconductor Welding Program is a specialized initiative designed to prepare youth for semiconductor manufacturing environments, particularly cleanrooms. The program is being conducted by Tata Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat and Tata Electronics.

As per an official statement, this is the first such experiment in the country where a cleanroom training facility has been set up for semiconductors in an Industrial Training Institute (ITI), and the skilling program is directly linked to the country’s developing commercial semiconductor fabs.

Students from any ITI trade background, including pass-outs, are eligible to apply for the six-week program, with selections carried out by Tata Indian Institute of Skills. The course includes two weeks of training at IIS Ahmedabad, followed by four weeks of advanced practical sessions at the cleanroom facility in ITI Dholera.

According to the press release, Tata Electronics has established a containerized ISO Class 1 cleanroom facility at ITI Dholera and is fully funding and operating it, eliminating any capital expenditure burden on the state government or the institute.

The training facility is equipped with advanced infrastructure, including orbital welding machines, IR fusion welding systems, helium leak testing systems, pressure testing setups, air-lock systems, and air showers. Nearly 70% of the course focuses on hands-on learning.

Students receive practical exposure to cleanroom protocols, precision tube preparation, welding techniques, leak testing, quality inspection, and documentation practices, enabling them to gain real-world semiconductor industry experience.

The statement further said that the graduates are now job-ready as UHP-certified precision welders with cleanroom expertise. Their profiles have been shared with Tata Electronics-approved contractors involved in the semiconductor fabrication project at Dholera, opening direct employment opportunities.

Gujarat has emerged as a key player in India’s semiconductor push and currently accounts for nearly 40% of the country’s approved semiconductor manufacturing capacity, attracting investments worth around ₹1.25 lakh crore.

The state’s Gujarat Semiconductor Policy (2022–27), along with infrastructure support, strategic connectivity, and industry incentives, has positioned Gujarat at the forefront of India’s semiconductor revolution. DeshGujarat