Enhance your career options with our suite of semiconductor CPD courses

Are you an employee of the semiconductor sector looking to expand your existing skillset, or perhaps someone who would consider a career move into this growing industry? Take advantage of a suite of professional development short courses designed to support the skills needs of this exciting sector.

From GPS to satellites to mobile phones, the compound semiconductor (CS) technology in our microchips drive the devices we use every day.  It is critical to next generation technologies, such as lidar and quantum, that demand greater speed, efficiency, and performance. This is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector which requires a highly skilled and adaptive workforce. Here in south Wales, we’re proud to showcase CSconnected, the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster.

We are pleased to offer several Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses tailored for people working in, or wishing to join, the semiconductor industry. These courses provide an ideal opportunity to expand your knowledge and expertise.

The courses have been designed as part of the CSconnected Strength in Places Fund (SIPF) project, with funding support from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), to ensure the workforce remains competitive in this crucial sector.

Available courses

Introduction to Compound Semiconductor Electronics

This two-part course introduces compound semiconductor electronics and emphasises their practical applications.

In Part One, through self-directed online study, participants gain insights into how semiconductor and compound semiconductor electronic technology is created, the role it plays in the devices we use day-to-day, and how CS electronics is enabling next generation applications.

Jenny, from one of the CSconnected cluster partner organisations, who recently took part in this training said: “This course was really accessible and fitted around my work and home life. The videos are a maximum of ten minutes so you can do a ten-minute video, answer some questions and come to it another day if you need to. Overall, it would only take half a day to do in one go.”

Part Two is a hands-on, in-person workshop which builds on learning from Part One, allowing participants to collaborate on group activities that put the technology into action.

Part One is available anytime, on demand. Part Two, the in-person session, will be available several times during 2025, with dates advertised here. Note that participants will need to have completed Part One before registering for Part Two.

Cleanroom Protocols

Understanding cleanroom environments is critical for semiconductor manufacturing. This online course introduces participants to the essentials of working in these highly controlled environments, including safe working principles and typical practices. It's a must for those entering or working within cleanrooms, where precision and safety are paramount.

More details.

Introduction to Compound Semiconductor Photonics

This online course introduces compound semiconductor photonics and its applications. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topic, helping participants understand how photonics (the physical science of light) drives innovations.

A recent participant of the training said: “I really enjoyed this course. It gave me a good insight into photonics, and a good foundation to help me understand more in my role. Sometimes it was a bit in depth, but that has given me the incentive to learn more about this subject!”

More details.

Introduction to Wire Bonding

This one-day in-person course offers a blend of theory and practical learning about wire bonding, which is one of the key interconnection processes involved in semiconductor manufacturing. The training allows participants to observe how wire bonding equipment works and learn how to make better decisions when implementing the wire bonding process.

A recent participant of the course said: “For someone without any wire bonding experience, like me, it was at the right level to understand the differences, advantages and disadvantages in each case, and applications.”

We hope to be able to convert the theoretical content to online in 2025.

More details

Courses in Development

Introduction to Etching for Semiconductor Manufacturing

Launching in early 2025, this two-day in-person course will introduce the theory of wet and dry (or plasma) etching and provide a foundational knowledge and understanding of this part of the wafer fabrication process.

We hope to be able to convert this in-person course to online and anticipate this to be available from early 2026.

Risk, Resilience, and Sustainability in Semiconductor Supply Chain

Launching in Summer 2025, this one-day in-person course will explore the fundamental challenges facing contemporary semiconductor supply chains. It will examine risk management tools and techniques, as well as provide an understanding of the sustainability challenges faced by the sector and the strategies businesses are employing to address them.

Understanding the Semiconductor Supply Chain - from Materials to Applications

Launching in Autumn 2025, this 3-hour online course will increase overall awareness of the different stages of the semiconductor/compound semiconductor supply chain, helping staff to make better decisions within their own roles. The course will start by providing an overview of the semiconductor industry before exploring semiconductor devices, packaging and applications, as well as emerging technologies and future trends.

Fast-Track Integration Programme for Engineers

This week-long activity will be developed from summer 2025 and launched in 2026. Designed to attract talent, it will be aimed at those with engineering experience who are considering a career move into the CS sector. The programme will consist of various CPD activities (including elements of the courses referenced above) as well as some lab/industry visits and networking opportunities. It will be free to attend, via an application process.

Why study with us?

In recent years the UK has become a crucial hub for CS development and production, with the south Wales based CSconnected cluster leading the way. It represents the world's first CS cluster, bringing together Cardiff and Swansea Universities, the Compound Semiconductor Centre, the CS Applications Catapult, and key industry organisations, including multinationals IQE plc, KLA Corp, Microchip Technology, Vishay Intertechnology, and Microlink. Together, with the support of the Welsh Government and the Cardiff Capital Region, they are driving economic growth and job creation in south Wales. The cluster’s success has resulted in £1-billion in public and private investment and the creation of over 2,500 jobs, backed by UK government investment through the UKRI Strength in Places fund.

As the CS sector continues to grow, staying ahead of the curve is essential. Our CPD courses are structured to balance theoretical knowledge with practical application, catering to professionals at various stages of their careers and align with the needs of the UK’s growing CS sector. Our combination of online and in-person courses makes our learning experiences flexible and convenient.

Kate Sunderland, CPD Project Manager for CSconnected SIPF said: “The CPD offering continues to grow as we launch and promote more courses. Since the start of the project we’ve welcomed over 300 attendees, with our courses being consistently rated ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ by our participants."

Thanks to significant funding from UKRI, the CPD course fees have been greatly reduced, making them accessible and affordable. Additional funding provided by Cardiff Capital Region has enabled fully funded places for 128 participants who live or work in the region, ensuring these courses reach as many people as possible.

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