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Skills

Inspiring, training and developing the next generation of scientists and engineers

To become a global leader in developing new applications for compound semiconductors, the UK must develop the workforce to take that technology forward.

Our dedicated Skills Academy brings together our industry knowledge, national reach and passion for compound semiconductors to combat the shortage of diverse and skilled engineers to meet industry demands.

We work with schools, universities, industry, government, charities and parents to equip the next generation of scientists and engineers with the skills they need to enter the compound semiconductor industry.

Outreach and engagement

The ethos of our Skills Academy is that “you can’t be, what you can’t see”.

We start with early engagement so that learners with an interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are familiar about careers in our industry.

Internship programme

The Catapult runs its internship programme through the UK Electronic Skills Foundation (UKESF) Scholarship Scheme.

As members of the scheme, we support up to five electronics undergraduates with an annual bursary and paid work placement.

Centres for doctoral training (CDT)

In 2019, CSA Catapult supported Cardiff University’s funding application to become a centre for doctoral training (CDT) and we now sponsor PhD students who study there.

Students spend time both at university and work on cutting-edge research at the Catapult, combining academic learning with industrial experience. Students graduate with a unique degree, ready to continue their compound semiconductor careers.

Similar support has been provided to PhD students at the University of Manchester, the University of Sheffield and UCL.

 

Spark their imagination; power their future

Skills
Funded by Innovate UK and run by CSA Catapult and the UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF), the Spark their imagination; power their future project offers 24 bursaries of £1,000 to Year 13 pupils in Wales who have secured a place to study electronic engineering, electrical engineering, computer science or physics at a partner university.

A one-off bursary of £1,500 is also awarded for personal and professional development after a student’s first year of study.

 

Learn more
New funding to encourage more learners in Wales into electronics

Girls into electronics

CSA Catapult was proud to support UKESF’s inaugural Girls into Electronics programme in 2022. In 2023 the scheme won an Elektra Award for Educational Support.

Hosted by 10 partner universities with sponsorship from CSA Catapult, the attendees spent the day as electronic engineering students and spoke to fellow UKESF scholars and engineering professionals.  

97%

of respondents rated the Girls into Electronics day as ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’.

84%

of respondents would now consider a career in electronics after attending the event.

89%

of respondents felt more enthused about electronics after attending.

Skills

Building skills partnerships

We work with CSconnected — the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster, based in South Wales — on a range of outreach and engagement programmes to develop regional educational and skills capabilities for the sector.

 

We also work with education providers and government bodies to support the development of new qualifications which underpin our technology. We work together to raise awareness of the fantastic career opportunities available to students and employees regionally, nationally and across the world.

Engineering students

“The idea of taking research and developing it into technology is why I entered engineering, and the Catapult’s aims and structure really matched well with that.

“Being surrounded by really experienced people from a broad range of technical backgrounds, every conversation I’ve had has been a great learning opportunity.”

Alice Birch, Electronics Scholar 2021, University of Cambridge

“I was able to get hands-on experience and apply the knowledge accumulated at university first hand in real-time projects and develop my understanding and skills.

“This has been a great stepping stone as I begin my career in this industry and [I] would highly recommend that anyone interested in being at the forefront of innovation apply.”

Vedant Shah, UKESF Scholar 2022, University of Birmingham

“CSA Catapult is a progressive organisation working on interesting projects and cutting-edge technologies. It provides fantastic opportunities for undergraduates.

“For the Catapult, our scholarship scheme is a great way of not only connecting with students, but also raising awareness and generating interest in compound semiconductors at universities.”

Stew Edmondson, CEO of UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF)

“We want to encourage as many young people in the UK as possible to consider the opportunities in compound semiconductors.

“Through our outreach in schools, colleges and higher education, and working with regional and national partners, we want to increase the numbers of young people considering a career in electronics.”

Clare Gunning, director of people and resources, CSA Catapult

Skills Academy
impact

0

children took part in CSA Catapult’s Be a Scientist activity, part of Cardiff Science Festival 2024

0

girls aged 15–18 took part in UKESF’s inaugural 2022 Girls into Electronics programme sponsored by CSA Catapult

£0K

of investment to encourage young learners to study electronics in partnership with UKESF

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Get in touch

To learn more about our Skills Academy, get in touch with a member of our team today.

Contact us