On 7 November 2024, the project team here at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, alongside the Multidisciplinary Engineering Education team, held an impactful workshop designed to equip school and college STEM teachers with the knowledge and tools required to introduce their students to the world of semiconductors. This event, part of the ASISST project and funded by Innovate UK, was aligned with the and addressed the growing skills shortage in this high-tech sector.
Twenty teachers from 13 University Technical Colleges (UTCs) across the UK gathered for the day-long workshop, which aimed to provide both foundational understanding and practical resources. The program included a range of activities, starting with an icebreaker session and mission of the ASISST project and to promote Semiconductor careers. Teachers then engaged in hands-on activities with Arduino kits, exploring real-world applications of semiconductors and learning how to inspire students to pursue careers in this critical field.
Dr. Raja Toqeer, the workshop leader supported by Dr Mohammed Asadullah Khan and Jonathan Fullwood, emphasised the workshop鈥檚 mission: 鈥淭he objective is to equip teachers to confidently integrate semiconductor knowledge into their classrooms, fostering the next generation of engineers and addressing the skills gaps identified in the UK鈥檚 semiconductor sector.鈥
Engaging Activities and Resources
Participants worked on practical exercises, from building circuits on breadboards to programming Arduino and using Tinkercad simulations. These activities introduced fundamental electronic concepts, like LED blinking, push-button controls, RGB LED colour mixing, and temperature and humidity monitoring. By experiencing these projects firsthand, teachers gained valuable insights into how these activities could translate into classroom lessons.
Teachers praised the accessibility and usefulness of the provided resources. Many appreciated the comprehensive kits, which included LEDs, resistors, and various sensors/actuators, allowing them to replicate these hands-on activities back at their schools. These resources align well with introductory courses, providing a foundation that will enable students to explore semiconductor technology in depth.
Linking STEM Education to Industry Needs
The workshop highlighted the role of semiconductors in everyday devices, from smartphones to renewable energy systems. Teachers gained insights into industry needs, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence, healthcare, and electric vehicles, demonstrating the wide-ranging impact of semiconductor technology. Attendees also discussed the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) commissioned on how the semiconductor sector could support up to 86,000 jobs in the wider economy, making it a critical focus area for STEM education.
Building Connections and Next Steps
In addition to gaining technical skills, teachers valued the networking opportunities, visits to the and Diamond facilities, and discussed strategies to introduce these concepts in their schools. Some anticipated challenges, such as ensuring continuity when kits are shared across multiple classes, but felt motivated to implement these resources in STEM clubs or specialised courses.
As the teachers departed, feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many noting they felt better equipped to promote semiconductor careers among their students. This workshop is part of the ASISST project commitment to supporting the semiconductor industry by reaching future STEM professionals early, preparing them to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. The ASISST project plans to continue this work, with resources and videos available at the project .