The demand for talent in the Dutch semiconductor sector continues to grow. In the second quarter of 2026, 1,229 vacancies were registered at 96 organizations. This means the number of vacancies is significantly higher than in the same quarter last year, when 899 vacancies were registered at 81 organizations. This is according to the latest labor market factsheet from ChipNL Competence Centre.
The new figures build on the developments that were already visible in the previous labor market factsheet. It showed that the demand for technical talent remained high and spread across a broader group of organizations. The Q2 figures now show a clear acceleration: compared to Q1 2026, the number of vacancies rises from 991 to 1,229. This makes Q2 2026 the quarter with the highest number of vacancies since the start of the measurement in 2025.
Especially demand for HBO profiles
The demand for talent is visible at different educational levels, but HBO profiles form an important part of the labor market. In Q2 2026, 592 vacancies at HBO level were registered. The demand for MBO profiles is also increasing. At WO level, demand picked up again in Q2 after a decline in previous quarters.
There are different types of functions behind this. At MBO level, the emphasis is mainly on operational and technical support functions, such as assembly workers, production workers and machine operators. At HBO level, among others, software engineers, manufacturing engineers and mechanical engineers are in high demand. In WO vacancies, in addition to software and systems engineers, specialist roles such as data scientists, systems architects and ICT managers also emerge.
Software and engineering remain decisive
Throughout the entire surveyed period, software engineering remains the most sought-after position, with 285 vacancies. Mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers and electrical engineers also rank high on the list. The figures underscore the importance of both engineering knowledge and digital and software skills for the semiconductor industry.
ASML remains the largest employer in the dataset. In the first half of 2026, the analysis registered 405 vacancies at ASML. TNO and VDL Groep follow with 208 and 191 vacancies respectively.
Insight as a basis for talent development
With the periodic labor market factsheets, ChipNL Competence Centre maps developments in the Dutch semicon labor market. The insights help companies, educational institutions, policymakers and other partners to better understand where the demand for talent is developing and which functions and educational levels are important.
This is relevant for the question of how the Netherlands can train, attract, and continue to develop enough people with the right skills for the semiconductor industry.
Curious about all the figures and developments? View and download the latest factsheet on the Dutch semicon labor market in Q2 2026.