Developing a suite of semiconductor qualifications

As Wales’ largest awarding body, we are excited to be working with key stakeholders in Wales including CSconnected (the world's compound semiconductor cluster) to develop new qualifications to support the Welsh compound semiconductor industry.

South Wales is pioneering the design development and commercialisation of the compound semiconductors needed for a net zero economy and to service the growing global demand for compound semiconductor enabled technologies, worth a projected £230 billion by 2024.

To ensure that the industry has access to a skilled workforce, we are developing a new Level 4 qualification for semiconductor technicians to support on-the-job training and address an identified skills gap.

Alongside the new Level 4 qualification we will develop a suite of credit-based units at levels 1, 2 and 3 to introduce learners to the semiconductor industry and the career paths available to them, as well as providing a foundation of technical knowledge and understanding to support progression. These units will be designed to be delivered alongside existing qualifications such as GCSEs, A Levels and vocational qualifications to broaden knowledge and understanding or as stand-alone units for learners with little or no previous knowledge of the sector area. Depending on the number and level of the units achieved by the learner, they can be awarded a nationally recognised qualification. 

The development of these qualifications compliments a related project being led by iungo Solutions in partnership with the Cardiff Commitment, Space Forge and Philtronics to establish a Higher Technical Semiconductor Skills Academy in Wales. The Skills Academy will deliver a 10-week semiconductor skills ‘bootcamp’ using our new units with intention of progressing learners to employment and the Level 4 semiconductor qualification.

The introductory units will be ready to deliver from April 2024 with the full Level 4 qualification available from September 2024.

Get involved

We are keen to engage new talent and develop the vocational skills requirements to meet the increasing demand for jobs within the industry.

If you are interested in joining us on our journey, please email Julie.rees@wjec.co.uk.