New CPD Courses Support Skills Development in UK’s Expanding Compound Semiconductor Sector

South Wales Leads the Way in Semiconductor Innovation with New Training Programs

Compound semiconductor (CS) technology is essential for powering devices like GPS, satellites, and mobile phones, and is key to advancing next-generation innovations such as lidar and quantum technologies. Recognising the sector's rapid growth and need for a skilled workforce, South Wales proudly highlights CSconnected, the world’s first CS cluster. In response to the growing demand for expertise, CSconnected has launched Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for those in or entering the semiconductor industry, offering valuable opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills. The courses, developed through the CS connected Strength in Places Fund (SIPF) with UKRI funding, aim to ensure the semiconductor workforce remains competitive and equipped for industry demands.

The available courses include Introduction to Compound Semiconductor Electronics, a two-part program designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of compound semiconductor electronics and their practical applications. In the course's first part, participants complete a self-directed online study to learn about semiconductor technologies and their role in everyday devices. Jenny, a participant from a CSconnected partner, found the course accessible, with brief 10-minute videos that fit around her schedule. She noted the course could be completed in about half a day.

Part Two of the course is an in-person workshop that builds on Part One, allowing participants to apply their knowledge through group activities. Part One is available on demand, while Part Two will be held multiple times in 2025. Participants must complete Part One before registering for Part Two. The Cleanroom Protocols online course covers essential practices for working in cleanroom environments critical to semiconductor manufacturing. It focuses on safety and precision for those entering or currently working in these settings.

The Introduction to Compound Semiconductor Photonics online course provides an overview of photonics and its applications, helping participants understand its role in driving innovations. One participant found it offered valuable insights and a strong foundation, motivating further learning despite some in-depth content. The Introduction to Wire Bonding is a one-day in-person course that combines theory and hands-on learning. It focuses on the wire bonding process in semiconductor manufacturing. A participant with no prior experience found it well-suited for beginners, offering a clear understanding of methods, advantages, and applications.

Plans are in place to convert the theoretical content of the Introduction to Wire Bonding course into an online format by 2025, making it more accessible to a wider audience. Several new courses are currently in development, aimed at addressing the evolving needs of the semiconductor sector. The Introduction to Etching for Semiconductor Manufacturing course, launching in early 2025, will cover wet and dry etching processes in a two-day in-person format, providing foundational knowledge of this critical part of the wafer fabrication process. Plans are in place to offer an online version by early 2026.

Another development course is Risk, Resilience, and Sustainability in Semiconductor Supply Chain, which will launch in Summer 2025. This one-day in-person course will delve into the challenges facing modern semiconductor supply chains, focusing on risk management techniques and the sustainability challenges within the sector. It will also examine the strategies businesses are employing to address these issues. The Understanding the Semiconductor Supply Chain - From Materials to Applications course, launching in Autumn 2025, is a 3-hour online course that covers the semiconductor supply chain, including industry stages, devices, packaging, applications, emerging technologies, and future trends, helping participants make informed decisions in their roles.

Finally, the Fast-Track Integration Programme for Engineers, launching in 2026, is a week-long program for engineers transitioning into the compound semiconductor sector. It will include Continuing Professional Development  CPD activities, lab visits, industry tours, and networking, and will be free to attend through an application process.

The UK has become a key hub for compound semiconductor (CS) development, with CSconnected in South Wales leading the way. As the world's first CS cluster, it unites institutions like Cardiff and Swansea Universities, the Compound Semiconductor Centre, the CS Applications Catapult, and major companies such as IQE plc, KLA Corp, and Microchip Technology. Supported by the Welsh Government and the Cardiff Capital Region, the cluster has attracted £1 billion in investment and created over 2,500 jobs, backed by UK government funding through the UKRI Strength in Places Fund.

As the CS sector grows, CSconnected offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses that balance theory and practical application. Designed for professionals at all career stages, these flexible courses are available online and in person to meet the sector’s needs. Kate Sunderland, CPD Project Manager for CSconnected’s Strength in Places Fund, reported that over 300 participants have attended the courses, which consistently receive high ratings. UKRI funding has significantly reduced course fees, while Cardiff Capital Region funding provides 128 fully funded places for local participants, making the courses more accessible. The CPD courses offered by CSconnected are an essential resource for professionals in the rapidly growing compound semiconductor sector, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to stay competitive.

Editor's Note:

The development of the CPD courses by CSconnected highlights the critical role of continuous education in keeping pace with the rapidly evolving compound semiconductor sector. With backing from the UK government and local institutions, these courses offer invaluable opportunities for professionals to expand their expertise and stay competitive. By providing accessible and flexible learning options, CSconnected is not only supporting the growth of the industry but also contributing to the economic development of South Wales. 

Skoobuzz believes that these initiatives are helping to strengthen the region’s position as a global leader in semiconductor innovation and job creation.