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Engineering the future: skills event spotlights compound semiconductor careers in South Wales

Date: 01.11.2024

Topics: Skills

A person immersed in a virtual reality experience, expertly navigating the digital realm with two controllers in hand, harnessing cutting-edge VR technology within the e-space of their cozy indoor setting. - CSA Catapult

Last week, over 30 students and teachers from South Wales attended a careers forum at Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult, to learn about the wide range of career opportunities in the region. 

At the forum, speakers from IQE, KLA, Vishay and Microchip introduced the technology each company develop and its role in the compound semiconductor supply chain. The speakers highlighted skills they look for when recruiting and potential pathways students could take into the industry. 

The students and teachers were also given tours of CSA Catapult’s state-of-the-art labs and spoke to engineers who are developing technology for real-world applications like electric vehicles, clean energy and 5G communications. 

Three enthusiastic young people in uniforms eagerly observe a petite robot navigating the floor indoors. - CSA Catapult

Part of the Spark their imagination; power their future project— funded by Innovate UK and delivered by CSA Catapult and the UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF) — the forum is one in a series of activities which aim to make careers in electronics more visible to young people.  

There is currently a shortage in diverse and skilled engineers who are needed to meet industry demand. Between 2012 and 2021, the number of Welsh students studying an Electronics and Electrical Engineering (EEE) degree reduced by a third, dropping from 180 to 120. 

However, electrical engineers are in high demand as compound semiconductor-based technology plays an increasingly important role in our lives, from smartphones aerospace and robotics to artificial intelligence. 

Two young men skillfully employ a tool on a copper wire sculpture in a brightly lit, modern room. - CSA Catapult

South Wales is rich with opportunities to build varied careers in engineering and develop this future technology. Home to the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster, CSconnected, South Wales is recognised as world-leading in compound semiconductor research, innovation and manufacturing. In 2023 the cluster provided 1,773 jobs and supported an estimated 3,600 jobs across the UK.  

Spark their imagination, power their future is one of CSA Catapult’s dedicated Skills Academy initiatives design to inspire and develop the next generation of scientists and engineers. 

“This event was one of a series of engagement events that CSA Catapult and UKESF have offered in Wales which have brought together academia, industry and young people.  

“Our aim is to raise the profile of our sector and showcase the breadth of opportunities that are available across the UK. 

“The ripple effect from activities delivered over the past 12 months is gathering momentum, and we are already seeing greater awareness and interaction in the region.” 

Alex Leadley, Skills Academy manager at CSA Catapult

A group of eager students listens intently to a presenter in a laboratory setting, with advanced technical equipment and electronic screens glowing softly in the background. - CSA Catapult
A person with curly hair is engrossed in their phone, seated among others in a lively row of activity. - CSA Catapult
A person in a polka dot shirt speaks enthusiastically, gesturing with one hand, in front of a
A woman in a patterned vest energetically speaks, e-learning clicker in hand, in front of a presentation slide titled
At a bustling event, a woman at the Vishay booth expertly presents electronic components to an eager young man. - CSA Catapult