Building a Future Talent Pipeline: The key to a strong and resilient semiconductor ecosystem in the UK
This campaign week, organised and led by techUK, is all about showcasing the transformational technologies at the heart of UK innovation. Undoubtedly, transformational technologies such as Digitalisation, AI, Automation and Clean Energy will enable countries to address global challenges like climate change and – importantly – they also have the potential to drive incredible growth. For the UK, the potential rewards are huge. As an advanced economy, we are adept at creating and growing highly competitive and successful companies that design, make and sell products and services in all these technological fields.
It is self-evident that none of the transformational technologies can exist without the semiconductor components from which the products are built. Not just in processing and memory but, in sensing, power conversion, radio communications, optical processing and displays. Therefore, the importance of the semiconductor industry as a critical foundational ‘horizontal’ technology, which underpin all emerging and transformational technologies, cannot be overstated.
In the UK, semiconductors currently contribute an estimated $12 billion (£9.8 billion) in annual revenues to our economy, and we have a well-established global reputation for excellence in semiconductor design and innovation, with world-leading companies and research institutions.
Globally in 2024, the semiconductor industry delivered 800 billion chips, generating over $630 billion per annum in revenues with forward growth forecasted between 9~15% CAGR. It has already created massive wealth in the value of its most successful companies at a colossal $7.4 trillion, with so much more to come. Therefore, it is not an exaggeration to say that on the shoulders of the semiconductor industry rests almost everything else. Indeed, semiconductors are the single largest global growth industry. Consequently, employment in the semiconductor workforce is expected to grow.
For instance, it was reported that in 2023 the European semiconductor industry employed approximately 382,200 people and the projected growth in employment has been estimated at 5.0 % CAGR by 2030, potentially adding 155,900 new jobs by 2030. However, at the same time we know that the number of graduates entering the semiconductor industry is not forecast to increase.
Therein lies the problem. A recent report from the European Chips Skills Academy stated that the current talent gap in the EU semiconductor industry is expected to widen annually to an estimated shortage of over 75,000 positions by 2030.
In the UK, the MTC (2022) noted that there are significant opportunities in ground-breaking areas such as compound semiconductors (CS) but to fully benefit, the UK needs to engage its young people and provide them with clear learning paths. The Semiconductor Sector Study (HM Government, 2024) found that 90% of respondents reported a shortage of key technical skills. The same study reported that annual inflows of Higher Education graduates entering the semiconductor sector are estimated at 870 graduates (UK and international domiciled students from UK universities), with half of these entrants from Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) courses. Long-term international student retention remains uncertain, raising concerns about the longevity and sustainability of inflows.
Along with others, the UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF) has long advocated that the only viable way for our semiconductor industry to grow sustainably is to increase the number of UK students studying Electronics at degree level. Also, that for manufacturing, we need more young people following vocational education pathways into the sector.
We are pleased that this need has been acknowledged by the Government and that Lord Vallance recently announced a significant investment (of £4.75M) for semiconductor skills.
With this investment, the UKESF has announced the launch of the Semiconductor: Skills, Talent and Education Programme (STEP). This programme will begin to build a robust pipeline of skills will provide crucial support enabling more young people to pursue Electronics Engineering careers, and help to underpin the long-term success of the UK semiconductor sector.
As with the implementation of any strategy to address a talent shortage, it is a long-term process, primarily because cultivating a new generation of graduates takes considerable time and starts with schools. First and foremost, there is a need raise awareness about Electronics and generate interest in semiconductor careers among young students. Semiconductor: STEP will consist of four connected projects, from schools’ outreach through to post-graduate training.
Over the coming 12 months, the UKESF will work with a number of collaborators, including the CSA Catapult, TechWorks, Aston University, Sheffield University, STFC and the Institute of Physics, along with 30 UKESF partner universities, to deliver the projects and maximise impact. The programme will enable the UKESF’s to scale-up and build on their existing portfolio of successful resources and events, which includes Electronics Everywhere and Girls into Electronics.
techUK – Unleashing UK Tech and Innovation
The UK is home to emerging technologies that have the power to revolutionise entire industries. From quantum to semiconductors; from gaming to the New Space Economy, they all have the unique opportunity to help prepare for what comes next.
techUK members lead the development of these technologies. Together we are working with Government and other stakeholders to address tech innovation priorities and build an innovation ecosystem that will benefit people, society, economy and the planet - and unleash the UK as a global leader in tech and innovation.
For more information, or to get in touch, please visit our Innovation Hub and click ‘contact us’.
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Sprint Campaigns
techUK's sprint campaigns explore how emerging and transformative technologies are developed, applied and commercialised across the UK's innovation ecosystem.
Activity includes workshops, roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and flagship reports (setting out recommendations for Government and industry).
Each campaign runs for 4-6 months and features regular collaborations with programmes across techUK.
techUK's latest sprint campaign is on Robotics & Automation technologies. Find out how to get involved by clicking here.
Running from September to December 2023, this sprint campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of space technologies, bring more non-space companies into the sector, and ultimately realise the benefits of the New Space Economy.
These technologies include AI, quantum, lasers, robotics & automation, advanced propulsion and materials, and semiconductors.
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report. The report, containing member case studies and policy recommendations, was launched in March 2024 at Satellite Applications Catapult's Harwell campus.
Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's ongoing work in this area.
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Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Running from January to May 2024, this sprint campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of the technologies set to underpin the Gaming & Esports sector of the future.
These include AI, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, haptics, cloud & edge computing, semiconductors, and advanced connectivity (5/6G).
Activity took the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and thought leadership pieces. A report featuring member case studies and policy recommendations was launched at The National Videogame Museum in November 2024.
Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's future plans in this space.
Report
Event round-ups
Insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Running from July to December 2024, this sprint campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of web3 and immersive technologies.
These include blockchain, smart contracts, digital assets, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, spatial computing, haptics and holograms.
Activity took the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report (to be launched in 2025).
Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's future plans in this space.
Event round-ups
Insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Running from February to June 2025, this sprint campaign is exploring how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of robotic & automation technologies.
These include autonomous vehicles, drones, humanoids, and applications across industry & manufacturing, defence, transport & mobility, logistics, and more.
Activity is taking the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report (to be launched in Q4 2025).
Get in touch below to get involved or find out more about techUK's future plans in this space.
Upcoming events
Insights
Event round-ups
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Campaign Weeks
Our annual Campaign Weeks enable techUK members to explore how the UK can lead on the development and application of emerging and transformative technologies.
Members do this by contributing blogs or vlogs, speaking at events, and highlighting examples of best practice within the UK's tech sector.
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