The semiconductor industry is constantly evolving – and so are the skills it needs.
Whether you want to deepen your expertise, develop skills in a new area, gain a professional qualification or take the next step in your career, there are plenty of opportunities to keep learning. Explore courses, CPD, professional development and specialist training that can help you broaden your skill set and build your career in semiconductors.
Being part of the wider semiconductor community can help you build your network, share knowledge and keep up with the latest developments in your field. The UK is home to a range of learned societies, professional institutions and industry bodies offering access to events, communities, technical resources, professional development and opportunities to connect with others across the sector.
Explore the organisations and networks below to find the communities that are most relevant to your role, interests and career.
Professional institutions and learned societies bring together people working across engineering, science and technology, providing opportunities to build knowledge, develop professionally and connect with peers. Many offer semiconductor-relevant technical communities, events, publications, training, CPD and routes to professional recognition or accreditation.
Industry bodies and trade associations connect organisations and professionals across the semiconductor ecosystem, helping to share knowledge, build networks and represent the interests of the sector. Getting involved can give you access to industry events, specialist communities, insights and resources, while creating opportunities to meet peers, exchange ideas and stay connected to developments across the industry.
The UK semiconductor sector is supported by a network of regional clusters, organisations and communities that bring together businesses, researchers and other partners with shared interests and capabilities. Connecting with organisations in your region can help you build your local network, discover events and opportunities, share knowledge and find new collaborators, while giving you a stronger connection to the semiconductor activity happening on your doorstep.
Keeping up with new tools and technologies can help you broaden your skill set, stay relevant and open up new career opportunities. Whether it’s learning new design and simulation software, developing your coding or data skills, or gaining experience with specialist equipment and manufacturing techniques, explore training and resources that can help you add new capabilities to your professional toolkit.
The Chip Design Enablement Programme (CDEP) aims to lower the barriers for early stage UK start-ups developing prototype ICs.
Find out moreDoulos is an independent company entirely dedicated to developing the skills, capability and productivity of engineers designing tomorrow's electronic systems on a chip.
Find out moreThe semiconductor industry has a number of structured learning programs that help professionals maintain, improve, and broaden their skills and knowledge throughout their careers.
Your learning doesn’t have to stop once you’re established in the industry. Whether you want to gain a new technical qualification, specialise in a different area or take your career to the next level, there are opportunities to continue your education at every stage – from vocational and higher technical qualifications through to degrees, postgraduate study and doctoral programmes. Explore the different levels of study available and find a route that fits your experience, ambitions and where you want to go next.
An early opportunity to develop practical, digital, maths and employability skills that can support progression towards technical training or an apprenticeship. Students typically focus on core GCSE Physics, Mathematics, and specialist GCSE Electronics or Engineering topics.
Courses and apprenticeships can begin developing the practical engineering, manufacturing, electronics and technical skills relevant to semiconductor environments.
Study subjects such as maths, physics, engineering, electronics, computing or chemistry at A-level, undertake a relevant apprenticeship, or use Level 3 study as a route into higher education.
Develop specialist knowledge in areas such as electronics, electrical engineering, manufacturing, engineering systems or related disciplines. Can provide a route directly into technical roles or further study.
Build deeper technical expertise for roles across semiconductor manufacturing, equipment, testing, packaging, maintenance and engineering, or progress towards degree-level study.
One of the main routes into semiconductor engineering and technology careers. Relevant undergraduate subjects include electronic & electrical engineering, physics, materials science, chemistry, computer science, chemistry and related disciplines.
You can also undertake degree apprenticeships, where part of your time is spent studying and part is spent working full-time in industry. Examples of relevant degree apprenticeships include:
Develop expertise in areas such as semiconductor devices, IC design, photonics, compound semiconductors, materials, advanced manufacturing, AI hardware and other specialist fields.
Undertake original research at the forefront of semiconductor science and engineering. UK semiconductor-related Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) provide structured doctoral training alongside industry engagement and specialist technical development.
More info on CDTs can be found here.
Ready to restart your career after some time away? Whether you’ve taken a career break, spent time caring for others or worked in a different field, there are programmes and resources designed to help you refresh your skills, rebuild your confidence and reconnect with the workplace. Explore returnships, training, career support and other opportunities that can help you find your route back into semiconductors and technology.
STEM Returners connects professionals with forward-thinking industry leaders through our award-winning tailored return to work programmes and support.
Find out moreWomen in Techworks helps women make a bigger, more significant contribution to the sector’s prospects by attracting, supporting, and advancing them at each stage of their career path.
Find out moreYou can also explore support, opportunities and resources tailored to where you are in your journey – whether you’re studying, teaching or advising, already working in the industry, or an employer.
