Advancing quantum technology workforce: industry insights into qualification and training needs

TL;DR

This paper explores industry-specific workforce and training needs for second-generation quantum technologies, highlighting challenges in skills shortage, interest, and educational formats based on interviews and surveys.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of industry requirements for quantum workforce development, informing training strategies and influencing European quantum competence frameworks.

Findings

Shortage of engineers in quantum industry

Need for diverse training formats and levels

Challenges in attracting interest to quantum careers

Abstract

The transition of second-generation quantum technologies from a research topic to a topic of industrial relevance has led to a growing number of quantum companies and companies that are exploring quantum technologies. Examples would include a start-up building a quantum key distribution device, a large company working on integrating a quantum sensing core into a product, or a company providing quantum computing consultancy. They all face different challenges and needs in terms of building their quantum workforce and training in quantum concepts, technologies and how to derive value from them. With the study documented in this paper, we aim to identify these needs and provide a picture of the industry's requirements in terms of workforce development and (external) training and materials. We discuss, for example, the shortage of engineers and jobs relevant to the quantum industry, the challenge of getting people interested in quantum, and the need for training at different levels and in different formats - from awareness raising and self-learning materials to university courses in quantum systems engineering. The findings are based on 34 semi-structured interviews with industry representatives and a follow-up questionnaire to validate some of the issues raised in the interviews. These results have influenced activities in EU projects, including an update of the European Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies.