Catapults
Catapult Network Cell and Gene Therapy Connected Places Digital Energy Systems High Value Manufacturing Medicines Discovery Offshore Renewable Energy Satellite Applications
Search

UKESF Scholars celebrate year of achievements at CSA Catapult

Date: 01.08.2025

Topics: Skills

Four men stand side by side in front of a screen displaying an e-presentation in an office setting. - CSA Catapult
Four people stand before

Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult’s interns celebrate the end of their placement this month, marking a year of hands-on experience working with next-generation compound semiconductor technologies. 

Each year, in partnership with the UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF), CSA Catapult offers internships to undergraduates studying electronics-related degrees across the UK. 

Beyond their technical work, the interns have engaged in outreach activities across the UK and internationally, sharing their experiences and promoting engineering careers to students. 

In February, the scholars inspired over 500 schoolchildren at the Cardiff Science Festival, demonstrating how to build electronic circuits and explaining the vital role compound semiconductors play in everyday technologies like smartphones and electric vehicles.

In April, photonics intern Osian Jones participated in Swansea University’s annual engineering field trip, where he judged the students’ robotics competition, shared insights from his year in industry, and discussed how he will use the skills he has developed in the future.

In June, advanced packaging and power electronics interns Asad Adil and Sahil Upadhaya travelled to Dresden to attend SEMICON Europa’s Next Gen Talent event.

Four people wearing conference badges smile for a group selfie in a bright, modern e-conference venue. - CSA Catapult

They earned their place by winning SEMI’s ChipQuest challenge, creating a video that introduced semiconductors to schoolchildren. At the event, they gained insights from industry leaders, educators, and students on attracting future talent and fostering innovation. 

In July, the interns rounded off their year by delivering a presentation to colleagues, highlighting the technology they have worked on, and the knowledge they have gained during their time at CSA Catapult. 

The UKESF’s award-winning scholarship scheme provides students with unique work experience in the electronics sector. It aims to inspire those who take part to pursue careers in engineering. Students on the scheme receive an annual bursary, paid work placements, professional development, and networking opportunities. 

At CSA Catapult, interns join one of the four technical teams and contribute to projects that accelerate the development of compound semiconductor technologies with real-world applications. Key initiatives the interns supported this year include the Strength in Places Fund and P3EP. 

Approximately 93% of UKESF Scholars who complete their studies go on to secure roles in the electronics and technology sectors. 

UKESF Scholarships are one of the many interventions set up by CSA Catapult’s Skills Academy, to make careers in electronics more accessible to the next generation of engineers.

 

 

“As another academic year ends, it is always fascinating to hear the reflections from our interns. It is heartening to hear about the experiences they have enjoyed, both technically and personally, through moving to a new city, meeting new friends and immersing themselves in collaborative and commercial projects.  

“As we enter our fifth year of intern recruitment, it is fair to say that we couldn’t imagine our organisation without the energy and enthusiasm the interns bring, and I look forward to seeing where the world takes them after graduation.” 

Alex Leadley, Skills Academy manager at CSA Catapult

“This year has taught me the importance of clear communication when giving and receiving technical feedback or when speaking up and asking for help. It’s made me a more confident and effective team member.”

Asad Adil, advanced packaging intern at CSA Catapult

“The main thing I will take away from this year is the professional skills I’ve developed. Learning to communicate with team members on projects and speaking to the public and university students at outreach events has given me confidence.  

“Now I can effectively communicate my work to people with technical and non-technical backgrounds which are transferable skills for wherever I end up next in my career.” 

Osian Jones, photonics intern at CSA Catapult

“This year I have seen how cutting-edge research in power electronics directly supports the UK’s transition to cleaner, more efficient energy systems.  

“Working at CSA Catapult has given me hands on experience, testing real-world, thermal and electrical wide bandgap devices, and has helped me understand the scale of collaboration needed between academia and industry to progress these technologies.  

“Attending the talent event at SEMICON Europa also opened my eyes to future and global opportunities in this field.” 

Sahil Upadhaya, power electronics intern at CSA Catapult

Previous Article Next Article