With the opening of the Netherlands’ first Semicon Learning Centre (SLC), Twente is taking an important step towards training technical talent for the Dutch semiconductor sector. The new learning centre in Rijssen is the first of six locations that together form a single regional network for education, research and industry.
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The opening marks a significant milestone within the Twente Microchip Talent Strengthening Plan. Through this programme, educational institutions, businesses and public authorities are working together to tackle one of the Dutch semiconductor sector’s greatest challenges: training sufficient technical talent for a rapidly growing industry.
From ambition to implementation
Last year, Twente received funding from the national Beethoven programme to tackle the talent shortage in the semiconductor sector. The opening of the first Semicon Learning Centre demonstrates how these plans are taking shape in practice. Whereas the focus was previously mainly on programme development, collaboration and the creation of new learning environments, a physical space is now emerging where students, career changers and professionals can gain first-hand experience of the technology and skills required in the semiconductor sector.
One network, six specialisms
The Semicon Learning Centre in Rijssen forms part of a network of six locations spread across Twente. Each location contributes its own specialism, ranging from chip design and cleanroom technology to precision engineering, mechanical engineering, testing and production processes. This collaboration creates a continuous learning environment in which vocational education (MBO), higher professional education (HBO), university education (WO) and the business community reinforce one another. As a result, students gain not only specialist knowledge but also an understanding of the entire value chain underpinning the chip industry.
Talent as the key to the future
Twente is one of the most important chip and high-tech regions in the Netherlands. Companies in the semiconductor sector and the ASML supply chain will need thousands of additional skilled workers in the coming years to enable further growth. The Semicon Learning Centres help introduce more young people, career changers and working professionals to the sector and contribute to a better alignment between education and the labour market. In doing so, they strengthen not only Twente’s position but also the Netherlands’ international competitiveness.
Building a strong chip ecosystem together
Within the network, organisations including ROC van Twente, the University of Twente, Saxion, SMEOT, STODT, Process Your Future, REMO and Ondernemend Twente are collaborating with companies from our ChipTech Twente ecosystem.. This collaboration forms a key part of the Twente Microchip Talent Strengthening Plan, through which the region is helping to realise the national ambition to train more technical talent for the Dutch semiconductor industry.
