New report highlights growing skills and career opportunities in the North East’s semiconductor sector

A new publication from the UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF) shines a spotlight on the strength of the North East’s semiconductor ecosystem and, crucially, the exciting skills and career pathways emerging across the region.

For the space sector, this is hugely important.

Semiconductors and advanced electronics underpin satellite communications, Earth observation, sensing, defence and next-generation aerospace systems. As demand for these technologies grows, so too does the need for highly skilled engineers, technicians and researchers.

The report highlights:

Strong collaboration between industry, universities and colleges

Investment in specialist facilities and cleanroom environments

Engagement with schools to inspire the next generation of engineers

Clear progression routes into high-value, future-focused careers

Across the Space North East England network, many of our members operate at the cutting edge of RF, photonics, compound semiconductors and advanced materials - creating real opportunities for local talent to build careers in globally significant industries.

From apprenticeships and technical training to graduate pathways and advanced research roles, the North East is developing the workforce needed to power both the semiconductor and space economies.

You can read the full report here:https://www.ukesf.org/wp-content/uploads/UKESF-Semiconductors-in-the-North-East-Skills-in-Schools-Feb-2026.pdf