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UKESF Scholars celebrate end of placement year at CSA Catapult

Date: 16.08.2024

Topics: Skills

A group of six people stands in a room with geometric patterned walls. Two digital screens behind them display the text: "22/23 UKESF Scholars at CSA Catapult Industry Forum Wednesday 16th August." The group members, smiling and dressed in business casual attire, exude a sense of e-enthusiasm. - CSA Catapult
Four people are standing inside a contemporary room with geometric wall designs. They are positioned on slotted steps and are smiling at the camera. There's a tripod with equipment in the background, alongside an eye-catching fire alarm box on the wall. - CSA Catapult

Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult’s latest cohort of interns completed their year-long placement this week having gained invaluable experience of working in engineering and on next-generation compound semiconductor technology. 

Through its partnership with the UK Electronic Skills Foundation (UKESF), CSA Catapult offers year-long internships to undergraduates in the UK who study subjects related to electronics.  

The UKESF’s award-winning scheme provides students with a unique experience to work in the electronics sector. Students on the scheme are given an annual bursary, paid work experience, professional development and networking opportunities.  

CSA Catapult’s interns join each of its technical teams and work on real-world projects, helping to accelerate the development of compound semiconductor technologies and applications. 

This year, the interns have contributed to key projects including ASSIST, @FutureBEV and SiNQ. 

Throughout the year, the interns have represented CSA Catapult at outreach and engagement events across South Wales, helping to inspire the next generation of students to consider studying engineering. 

At the end of their placement year, they gave a presentation to everyone in the company, showcasing the projects they’ve worked on, the technologies they have helped to develop and the knowledge and experience they have gained during their time at CSA Catapult. 

Four people stand side by side, smiling and holding small crafts, in front of a table with various crafting materials and tools. Behind them is a tall banner with text and a wall display of colorful paper items forming the letter

Around 93% of UKESF Scholars who have completed their studies have gone on to secure jobs in the electronics and technology sectors.  

Offering UKESF Scholarships is one of the many ways CSA Catapult is working to increase the accessibility of careers in electronics to the next generation of engineers. 

“Having an annual cohort of interns is so important to us as a Catapult. Mentoring them as they grow into competent, knowledgeable engineers throughout the year is a fundamental part to our skills strategy.  

“Watching them embrace new challenges and immerse themselves into compound semiconductor technologies, whilst bringing a fresh, new perspective on things, is such a privilege.  

“I believe that we learn as much as from them, as they do from us.” 

Alex Leadley, Skills Academy manager at CSA Catapult

“This year I developed my soft skills, such as communication and team working. I have improved my organisational skills and built my knowledge of the engineering industry, as well as software like SolidWorks and COMSOL. 

“Working on real-life projects like @FutureBEV has been really rewarding and I have enjoyed working on the equipment in the labs. I can now say I am comfortable working on some of them independently.” 

Daisy Bollington, advanced packaging intern at CSA Catapult

“At CSA Catapult I have learned more about semiconductor manufacturing and the industry itself.  

“I have gained technical skills in programming and have enjoyed collaborating with different teams, being able to share what I have learned to help progress projects.” 

Jose Pumphrey, embedded software intern at CSA Catapult

“Getting to work on projects from start to finish, pushing technology to its limits and working with experienced engineers has been a great highlight of working in the electronics industry. 

“My knowledge of different software has improved, as well as being able to think critically and collaborate on projects. 

"I have enjoyed working with lasers and learning how to measure transformer characteristics as well as transformer design." 

"It feels exciting to have been a part of such an innovative industry working with people who are advancing compound semiconductor technology.” 

Abi Johnson-Brett, power electronics intern at CSA Catapult

“The best part of this year was working with the equipment and hearing different ideas and ways to approach projects from the team.  

“I enjoyed developing my technical skills across different software and talking to people about their research at industry conferences. Seeing AI technology and robots operating by themselves was a highlight too.” 

Mark Omisakin-Edwards, RF and microwave intern at CSA Catapult

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