News
Thirty Semiconductor Talent Award-holders recently gained valuable insight into the semiconductor industry at the ‘STFC-CHIMES Summer School’, exploring how their studies can translate into future careers in integrated circuit (IC) design.
The 5-day residential workshop, which took place at the University of Sheffield in September, introduced the undergraduates to analogue, digital and mixed-signal IC design, alongside opportunities to visit cleanroom facilities, take part in a semiconductor teardown lab and network with industry professionals.
Feedback from students highlights the value of these opportunities in helping them understand the industry and make informed decisions about their futures.
Overall, 96% of participants rated the experience as valuable.
Students also highlighted how the summer school helped them connect their academic studies with real-world applications and discover the breadth of opportunities available across the semiconductor sector.
One participant commented:
“I learnt more about what it is like to be an IC designer and it helped me make an informed decision about whether it is something I am interested in pursuing in the future.”
Another said:
“The most important thing I learned was that the summer school was a really good introduction to the semiconductor industry. It helped me understand the different areas within the field and gave me a better idea of where I would like to take my career. It also gave me a good foundation to build on and motivated me to learn more about semiconductors and the opportunities within the industry.”
Throughout the year, the UKESF is providing experiences for Talent Award-holders to deepen their technical understanding, explore potential career paths and build connections with the industry. The ‘STFC-CHIMES Summer School’ is just one example of this and followed the ‘APRIL Summer School’ at the APRIL hub at the University of Edinburgh in July.
By supporting undergraduate students and enabling access to opportunities such as these, the UKESF continues to help develop the knowledge, awareness and networks that can prepare the next generation for careers in the UK’s semiconductor sector.
