Skills Gap, Training, Inclusivity: Quantum Workforce in 2024

The quantum computing industry has grown exponentially in the past few years but that will be unsustainable if there aren’t enough people entering the workforce or retraining with the skills that are in demand.

Quantum hubs, vendors and universities are stepping up to provide training to deliver the competencies a future quantum workforce will require. But as quantum computing doesn’t happen in a vacuum, training will also be needed for the wider quantum ecosystem, to manufacture components and prepare suitable laboratories, data centers and assembly lines.

Keysight quantum engineering solutions manager Philip Krantz has shared his predictions on what to expect for the quantum workforce in the coming year.

Navigating the Quantum Landscape: Bridging the Talent Gap

Quantum technologies are expanding beyond the academic realm and into startups, high-tech companies and the military. This will give rise to more quantum hubs, incubators, and local and national ecosystems all trying to build a workforce able to seize the quantum opportunity. Solving the talent gap is critical to realizing the potential of quantum in the coming years and decades.

From Labs to Lecture Halls: The Quantum Leap in Education

The shortage of quantum talent will create an opportunity for higher education to offer new programs to help train the future quantum workforce. By 2030, quantum courses will be commonplace. These programs will involve industry partners so students can access the latest quantum control and readout technologies and obtain the right technical skills. In addition, business schools will offer quantum courses to prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs to enter into the quantum ecosystem.

Related:Legislation, Regulation, Competition: Quantum Computing Policy in 2024

Inclusive Innovation: Quantum Community Champions Gender Equality

Quantum has the potential to become the first technology sector to achieve gender equality. This will result from an ongoing concerted effort to attract women and ensure a diverse workforce is the norm rather than the exception.

Knowledge Gaps Will Throttle the Progress of Quantum

Quantum research and development will continue to attract investment from governments, academia and industry however, knowledge gaps and the availability of state-of-the-art technology will limit the pace of progress. For example, if the capability to produce high-quality quantum processing units is missing due to the lack of an advanced and dedicated cleanroom facility, this will slow progress.