UK students start new semiconductor qualification
CSconnected, the organisation convening the South Wales compound semiconductor cluster, has announced the start of the UK's first Level 2 semiconductor qualification for young people, marking a national first in STEM education.
Students at Bassaleg School, in Newport, are studying towards a GCSE- equivalent qualification designed to introduce young people to careers in advanced manufacturing and the semiconductor industry. The WJEC Level 2 Award in Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (Semiconductors) combines classroom learning with practical skills development, giving students an introduction to semiconductor manufacturing, circuitry, cleanroom working, quality control, health and safety, and the career opportunities available across the sector.
Cath Batten, deputy headteacher at Bassaleg School said: “We're incredibly proud that Bassaleg School is the first in the country to offer this qualification to our students. It's a fantastic opportunity for them to gain real, industry-relevant skills alongside their studies, and to see first-hand the career possibilities that exist right here in Wales' growing semiconductor sector.”
Andrew Evans, director at KLA said: “Building and developing the next generation of talent is essential to the future of our industry. Seeing students at Bassaleg School begin this qualification is a really encouraging step, and we're pleased to be supporting a programme that gives young people practical, hands-on experience of the skills our sector needs. Skills that could help our learners build a lifelong career, right here in Wales.”
Howard Rupprecht, MD at CSconnected said: “This is a landmark moment, not just for Wales, but for the whole of the UK. It's the first qualification of its kind, and it reflects the strength of Wales' semiconductor cluster and our commitment to building a skilled, local talent pipeline for the industry's future.
"What makes South Wales unique is the strength of its semiconductor ecosystem and the opportunities it offers at every stage of the talent journey. Students can start with qualifications like this one and progress through apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and university study, right through to postgraduate and PhD research, before building careers with world-leading semiconductor companies based here in South Wales.
"The cluster has a vision to double its workforce by 2030 to 6,000 jobs, and we're hoping the students completing this qualification contribute to that vision.”
Harry Thomas, Year 10 student at Bassaleg School said: “I am really interested in a career in semiconductors and being given the opportunity to study for a qualification in semiconductors is exciting. The course is helping me to understanding more about the semiconductor industry and is giving me a taste of what jobs could be available to me for my future.”
The announcement comes as the compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales continues to expand its economic contribution, now supporting £436 million of Gross Value Added (GVA) and 3,140 jobs across Wales.
In 2025 the cluster directly employed 1,914 people, with a further 1,226 jobs supported across Wales through its wider economic footprint. Total Welsh employment linked to the cluster increased from 2,748 in 2024 to 3,140 in 2025, a 14 percent year-on-year rise.
The sector generated £267m in direct GVA, with an additional £169 million supported elsewhere in Wales, bringing the total Welsh GVA impact to £436 million, up 19 percent on last year.
