Metropolia, the City of Vantaa and Companies Develop Semiconductor Education

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences has brought together five leading companies in the semiconductor sector to discuss the current and future competence needs of the field. The aim is to develop competence solutions smaller than a full degree for professionals in the sector.

Metropolia, the City of Vantaa, and the semiconductor companies Canatu, Beneq, Murata, Okmetic, and Vaisala are jointly developing skills solutions for the sector that are more focused and compact than traditional university of applied sciences degrees. The semiconductor industry is recognized nationally as a potential export sector, which is why its development is essential.

The semiconductor sector is an industrial field focused on the design, manufacturing, testing, and marketing of electronic components made from semiconductor materials. Semiconductors are used in electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and cars.

Metropolia, Vantaa, and the companies identify the competence needs of the sector and develop potential skills solutions in joint workshops.

“There is a particular need for workforce in the semiconductor sector because Finland wants to increase exports in this field and support the industry. Companies predict that the demand for skilled professionals will grow in the coming years. We are now aiming to find quick solutions especially for those already working in the sector or for those seeking to enter it. Such small competence modules have not yet existed in the field,” says Jari Olli, Director of School at Metropolia.

There is currently worldwide competition in the semiconductor field. According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, about 75 percent of semiconductors are manufactured in Asia. Compared to solutions outside Europe, Finland's advantage, according to Olli, could be high-level research expertise, a highly educated workforce, and strong know-how in design and system development.

“Metropolia deserves a big thank you for its active approach in tackling the competence needs in the semiconductor industry. Half of Finland’s semiconductor jobs and turnover are in Vantaa. It is a key growth sector for the city and a cornerstone for building the future. We hope that other educational institutions will follow our example of cooperation, as we anticipate skill and workforce needs together sector by sector,” says Mika Perttunen, Head of Economic Development of the City of Vantaa.

According to Perttunen, ideally these company workshops could also include other educational institutions in the region, as the development prospects of the sector in the coming years are very strong, ensuring there is plenty of work and challenge for everyone.

Metropolia Electronics Students Can Specialize in the Semiconductor Sector

Based on collaboration with companies, Metropolia has already developed education programs in the sector. In Metropolia’s English-taught degree in electronics, students can now select advanced studies specializing in semiconductors. Halfway through their studies, students can choose courses so that they specialize in the semiconductor sector.

The English-taught electronics degree covers, for example, wireless technologies and electromagnetic compatibility. Electronics engineers can work, for example, in design, testing, and quality assurance roles both in Finland and internationally.

Further information:

Jari Olli
Director of School
Metropolia UAS
jari.olli [at] metropolia.fi (jari[dot]olli[at]metropolia[dot]fi)

Mika Perttunen
Business and Economic Development Manager
City of Vantaa
mika.perttunen [at] vantaa.fi (mika[dot]perttunen[at]vantaa[dot]fi)