The Compound Semiconductor Industry

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 2:11 pm on 29 September 2021.

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Photo of Peter Fox Peter Fox Conservative 2:11, 29 September 2021

Thank you for that, Minister. What is clear is that the UK, indeed Wales, is a global leader in the compound semiconductor industry, and it has been a fantastic effort over the last few years in making that happen.

I recently visited the Newport-based Compound Semiconductor Application Catapult complex in Newport, where I spoke with the chief executive officer there, who stressed the sheer importance of compound semiconductors, which are enabling most of our future technologies; indeed, there are hundreds of them in this Chamber at the moment, and they feature in meditech, in photonics and in electric vehicle development.

But it's very clear, from speaking to him, how we need to develop and promote skills—a bit of a theme today, Minister—especially as this is a leading industry for our workforce in the future. Minister, I wonder what plans does the Welsh Government have to encourage more of our young people into that industry and equip young people, schools, colleges and universities to have the necessary skills to enter that vital industry.