Government funded ‘Semiconductor Skills in Schools’ programme provides interactive classroom resources and careers events for pupils studying Computer Science

• Sign up to receive free Logic & Arithmetic Kits: Classroom resources support teachers of Computer Science to teach core Electronics concepts within the curriculum
• These resources are provided by the UK Electronics Skills Foundation and were developed in collaboration with the University of Southampton
• ‘Get into Semiconductors’ events are taking place in early 2026, enabling pupils to hear from those in the industry and get hands-on with coding an Arduino – register your interest to be informed when booking opens
• Funding has been provided by Government to inspire the next generation of Engineers to consider careers in the UK’s semiconductor sector

Classroom Resources

The initiative provides free resources to teach core Electronics concepts in A level Computer Science, alongside support for teachers to make the most of resources in their teaching.

The Logic & Arithmetic kit features hands-on activities with two circuit boards. The activities cover aspects of Boolean operations, logic gates and base 2 (binary) number systems, and is split into two sections: Logic and Arithmetic.

These resources are available in North East England, South West England; Central Belt of Scotland; Southern Wales; Northern Ireland through the Semiconductor Skills in Schools programme, and more widely through the UKESF’s Electronics Everywhere programme.

Speaking about the Logic & Arithmetic kits, teachers have said:

“It was an amazing toolkit, and I feel so privileged to have received it for my A-level students. We experimented with two's complement conversion, binary addition, subtraction, and tested logic gates. We also applied some of the laws we had learned, such as De Morgan's laws and the law of absorption. Seeing the theory come to life through practical application really intrigued the students.” Assitant Head of Computing, Cheltenham Bournside School

“Using the kits provided excellent physical opportunities to see how the logic circuits could be implemented in real life scenarios.” Curriculum Leader Computing, Carmel College

Find out more and register your interest in these resources here >

Events

In addition to the resources, there will be a number of interactive and inspiring events taking place nationwide for 15-18 year olds studying Computer Science and Physics.

Engineering the Future Careers Forums, with the support of CSA Catapult, the UKESF will be organising careers forums in Durham and Scotland that will give pupils the opportunity to meet, and be inspired by, representatives from the Semiconductor sector, and participate in activities to develop skills relevant to careers in STEM.

Get into Semiconductors, these one-day events will take place at universities and further education colleges in Northern Ireland, South Wales, SW England, Scotland and NE England in February and March 2026. It is an opportunity to hear an example lecture, participate in Q&A with industry representatives and get hands-on with a microcontroller.

Teachers are encouraged to bring up to 14 pupils to these events, and support for transport costs is available.

Find out more and register for forthcoming events here >

UK Electronics Skills Foundation

We are an independent, UK based charity working to address the skills gap in Electronics through raising awareness, promoting interest in young people, supporting the development of those who choose electronics, and building relationships to ensure a thriving sector.

‘Semiconductor Skills in Schools’ is part of the Semiconductor: Skills, Talent and Education Programme. The UK is investing in skills support to underpin the long-term success of the UK semiconductor sector. The purpose is to provide more opportunities for young people to pursue rewarding, high-value careers in STEM, and support UK leadership in critical and emerging technologies

Resources and support from the UKESF are also available through this initiative for Physics teachers. Please encourage your colleagues to visit ukesf.org/semiconductor-skills-in-schools for more information and to sign up to receive resources.

Written by Sophie Batin, Head of Education, UK Electronics Skills Foundation