Newport students become first in the UK to start a new semiconductor qualification
08th July 2026
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, Managing Director 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% year-on-year rise.
The sector generated £267 million in direct GVA, with an additional £169 million supported elsewhere in Wales, bringing the total Welsh GVA impact to £436 million, up 19% on last year.
About CSconnected
CSconnected is the not-for-profit organisation driving the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales. It brings together industry, academia, government and community to build a fully integrated ecosystem spanning world-class research, prototyping and global-scale manufacturing.
The cluster underpins the technologies set to define the next decade, including AI, clean energy, advanced communications and defence. Built on more than a decade of sustained investment, it represents a unique concentration of capability driving a new Welsh industrial revolution.
CSconnected works to accelerate growth, attract inward investment, and turn world-class expertise into long-term industrial and economic value for Wales and the UK—helping power the UK’s industrial future.
Website: csconnected.com
LinkedIn: CSconnected
For more information contact:
Zoe Fawcett/Adam Gettinby
csconnected@purplefish.agency
0117 9251358
