Sparking STEM Futures - Industry Partners
The CSconnected: Sparking STEM Futures initiative is a strategic, region-wide programme designed to inspire and develop the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) talent, with a particular focus on the compound semiconductor industry in South Wales.
By fostering strong collaborations between education providers, local authorities, and industry leaders, the initiative aims to build a resilient, inclusive talent pipeline capable of supporting this critical and growing sector.
Browse through our partners and their exciting projects in the Sparking STEM Futures initiative:
Engineering Education Scheme Wales (EESW STEM Cymru)
EESW is an incorporated, not-for-profit educational charity dedicated to inspiring young people across Wales to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, particularly focusing on Engineering. In the Swansea Bay City Deal region, EESW will deliver primary outreach through “Circuit Explorers”. In the Cardiff Capital Region, EESW will deliver a secondary school workshop “Colour Code: Exploring Light and Images Through Semiconductors” and teacher CPD.
Primary School Project: Circuit Explorers
A hands-on, snap-circuits workshop introducing pupils to polarity, conductivity, LEDs and sensor-controlled circuits, with clear links to how semiconductor technology underpins modern devices. First piloted for CSconnected in 2024 and expanded across CCR and Swansea in 2024-25, the activity has proven highly successful in building confidence, curiosity and early understanding of semiconductor concepts.
Secondary School Project: Colour Code: Exploring Light and Images Through Semiconductors
An in-school STEM project that helps pupils explore the science and technology behind the LED. An initial 1 hour in-school workshop, including leave-behind resources for teachers to complete a follow on coding activity using micro:bit.
EESW Homepage
Iungo Solutions
Iungo Solutions is a Digital & Green Skills training provider headquartered in Cardiff Bay, with a presence across the whole of Wales and the Southwest of England. Iungo have co-developed the WJEC Level 2 Award in Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (Semiconductors).
Iungo’s Secondary School Workshop: Exploring Semiconductor Careers
An introductory workshop for students aged 14-18, focused on the intricacies of compound semiconductor technologies, the semiconductor industry and supply chain. This 1-hour session provides students with an understanding of the semiconductor supply chain, the key technologies involved, and the industry’s impact across various sectors such as electronics, AI, and healthcare.
STEM Clubs
Iungo’s STEM Clubs will have two alternating themes: Semiconductor Skills and Green Skills. Each week the learners will learn a new skill and develop a component that contributes towards an overall project allowing their confidence to build week on week. All learners will complete the WJEC Level 2 Award in Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (Semiconductors) or the WJEC Level 2 Award in Sustainability through the STEM Club.
Teacher CPD
A blended learning programme for teachers who are incorporating the WJEC Level 2 Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (Semiconductors). The programme will include a hands-on “Train the Trainer” workshop and a series of self-paced learning resources to support them to complete the Level 2 Certificate.
Oriel Science
Oriel Science is Swansea University’s award-winning public engagement project that brings cutting-edge research to life through dynamic, interactive exhibitions and hands-on workshops.
Schools Workshops
Workshops commence with a 10 minute presentation to lay the foundations of what compound semiconductors are, and how they are used in everyday life. The many compound semiconductor companies operating in South Wales will be spotlighted, and, especially for secondary students, career opportunities highlighted.
Public Exhibits
Oriel Science will host a “SemiTown” exhibit which showcases the compound semiconductor work done at Swansea University's CISM facility. In this exhibit, visitors will have to generate sufficient electricity via PVs to operate our model town. By matching different frequency LEDs with the correct PV, the town’s street lights, TVs and train will come to life. Other exhibits will allow visitors to experiment with connecting PVs to electric fans, lights and voltmeters as well as use a loupe to see a compound semiconductor chip close up. Some wafers will be displayed (in a cabinet) including flexible perovskites.
Public Activities
During public openings, Oriel Science run “Science Corner” activities where their Visitor Experience Facilitators run activities for small groups of visitors. The activities are normally a “cut-down” version of those offered in the school workshops.
University of South Wales
The University of South Wales (USW) has a proven track record of delivering impactful outreach across Wales, inspiring thousands of young people to engage with STEM-based subjects.
Interactive Workshops
USW staff and student ambassadors will deliver hands-on sessions in local primary and secondary schools. Activities will include building simple circuits, coding microcontrollers, and exploring how chips power devices such as smartphones and cars.
STEM Challenges
Schools will be invited to participate in semiconductor-themed competitions, including robotics challenges and chip design problem-solving tasks.
Teacher Training & Resources
USW will provide professional development sessions for teachers, equipping them with classroom materials to integrate semiconductor concepts into science and technology lessons.
Techniquest
Techniquest is a dynamic and engaging science discovery centre in Cardiff, dedicated to inspiring young people in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Techniquest’s outreach programme reaches over 30,000 pupils annually across South Wales, engaging them with fascinating science and industry-related topics.
Theatre Show: A-maze-ing Materials
The show will be delivered to an estimated 3,000 – 4,000 pupils aged 7-11. It will be an adaptation of the show that was funded in Sparking STEM Futures 2025 and has been adapted to be school based and delivered during school hours.
Wild Connect
Wild Connect is a nature-tech and storytelling company, with a team of dedicated professionals who have decades of experience in conservation, technology, policymaking, and public engagement.
In-School Workshop / Theatre-in-Education Programme
Die Bach: The Little Chip is a high-energy, interactive STEAM experience centred around Die Bach — a modular, part-robot, part-puppet character. In the "Build the Robot" section, students will assemble Die Bach’s modular limbs and components using magnets and clip fittings — demonstrating how chips are assembled, how PCBs fit together, and how sensors snap into systems.
This will be followed by a 60-minute immersive theatre-in-education performance, blending storytelling, robotics and hands-on learning.