Explore pathways into the semiconductor industry
Whether you’re at college, university, completing an apprenticeship or undertaking technical training, there are many ways to build the knowledge and skills needed for a career in semiconductors. Explore courses, training opportunities, placements and other resources that can help you develop your skills and gain practical experience. Start by exploring the opportunities below to find the right next step for you.
Hear first-hand from people working across the UK semiconductor sector about what they do, the skills they use, how they got into the industry and what their careers are really like.
There’s no single route into the semiconductor industry. From engineering, electronics and physics to materials science, computing and other technical disciplines, a wide range of courses can lead to a career in the sector. Explore the study and training options available, think about the areas of technology that interest you most, and find a course that can help you build the skills and experience you need to take your next step.
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.
Funding can help make studying, training or gaining new skills more accessible. Depending on your circumstances and the route you choose, support may be available through scholarships, bursaries, grants, funded training programmes or other financial assistance. Explore the funding opportunities and support available to help you take the next step towards a career in semiconductors.
TechFirst is the government’s flagship technology skills programme. It creates pathways into the UK’s growing digital and technology sector and supports opportunities across all parts of the UK.
Find out moreThe award winning UKESF Scholarship Scheme has been designed in collaboration with leading employers to support undergraduates to gain experience and develop the skills they need to thrive in Electronics.
Find out moreBuild your experience beyond your studies through placements, internships, competitions, projects, industry events and extracurricular activities, helping you develop practical skills, make connections and strengthen your CV.
A year in industry (also known as a sandwich year) is a paid 12-month professional placement taken between the second and final years of an undergraduate engineering degree. See individual courses for details.
The NMIS internship is a paid flexible 12-week opportunity. Successful applicants will have an opportunity to work at one of our specialist technology centres, based in Renfrew, or with an external partner based across Scotland.
Find out moreThe Semiconductor Skills Development Course will enable participants to take a chip design through the design flow, to the point where it is ready for fabrication.
Find out moreThis course is enabling physics graduates to further their understanding of semiconductor design, materials and opto-electronics.
Find out moreFor those looking to take their expertise further, doctoral programmes offer the opportunity to specialise in cutting-edge semiconductor research, with UK Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) providing structured PhD training that combines academic research, industry engagement and the development of specialist technical skills.
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing trains PhD researchers to support the future of compound semiconductor manufacturing in the UK.
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Connected Electronic and Photonic Systems is a leading centre for photonics research in the UK, connecting science and engineering with business.
Bristol's Quantum Engineering CDT offers an exceptional training and development experience for those wishing to pursue a career in the emerging quantum technologies industry or in academia.
This CDT, hosted between Swansea University’s Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials and the University of Leeds creates a multi-disciplinary cohort experience for all students and provides highly practical training of substantial value to those interested in careers in the semiconductor and related sectors such as optoelectronics and clean energy.
The UK semiconductor industry offers opportunities across a wide range of roles, from chip design, engineering and manufacturing to software, research, commercial and business functions. Whether you’re looking for your first role or taking the next step in your career, explore company careers pages, specialist job sites and professional networks, and look out for graduate schemes and entry-level opportunities. Industry events, careers fairs and networking can also be a great way to meet employers, understand the roles available and start building connections across the sector.
Gradcracker is the UK's careers website for STEM students. It is where employers attract candidates for their degree apprenticeship, placement and graduate roles.
Find out moreExplore a wide range of semiconductor roles, from designing cutting-edge chips to developing advanced manufacturing processes
Find out moreProspects provide a graduate career and postgraduate study recruitment options and work in close partnership with HE and further education (FE) professional bodies and government
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.
