Filtronic
West Yorkshire is quickly becoming a vital hub for businesses in the aerospace, defence and space technology sectors. A prime example of this growth is the collaboration between Leeds University and industry leaders such as Filtronic, which originated in the city. While the region is home to an impressive amount of RF expertise, more needs to be done to raise the profile of RF technology and bridge the skills gap in this field, explains Katie Graham, Head of HR at RF-to-mmWave components and subsystems specialist Filtronic.
Leeds University, with a range of world class engineering degrees including its aeronautical and aerospace engineering degree, offers students the chance to develop critical skills in mathematics, physics, materials and computer science — all of which are fundamental to advancing RF technology.
RF technology is in many modern technologies across telecoms, space, aerospace and defence. In satellite communications, high-frequency mmWave sub-systems help enable high-reliability low earth orbit (LEO) connections, enhancing global connectivity and helping to solve the digital divide.
It is also crucial for the development of next-generation defence systems, enhancing the capabilities and security of nations to protect us all. The ability to connect various devices seamlessly also drives advancements in consumer electronics, industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT), fostering smarter and more integrated environments.
It is due to strategic investments and collaboration that these innovations exist. By focusing on fostering collaborative partnerships between industry and academia, we can ensure that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to drive future developments in RF technology, ultimately bridging the skills gap.
Semiconductor strategy The UK’s Semiconductor Strategy is an example of this, which outlines a comprehensive plan to secure the country's position as a leader in targeted semiconductor technologies, focusing on research and development (R&D), design, intellectual property and compound semiconductors.
The strategy aims to grow the domestic sector by investing up to £200 million between 2023 and 2025, and up to £1 billion over the next decade. It also supports commercial R&D and SME growth through the UK Semiconductor Infrastructure Initiative, while a UK Semiconductor Advisory Panel will be established to coordinate these efforts.
To help tackle the skills gap, the strategy includes several critical initiatives aimed at improving the flow of skilled talent into the industry. These include supporting Centres for
Doctoral Training (CTDs) in semiconductor-related fields through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and ensuring that occupational standards for apprenticeships, higher technical qualifications (HTQs) and T-Levels meet the specific requirements of employers in the semiconductor sector.
Additionally, the strategy encourages more employers in the semiconductor industry to engage with the Department for Education’s (DfE) Institute of Technology programme, backed by £300 million of government capital investment, to better serve the sector's specialisms through this innovative education delivery mechanism.
Defence underfunded
Despite great initiatives like this, RF still requires more attention across its set of expansive applications.
For example, investment in the defence sector is essential for designing higher frequency RF signals, which enable enhanced performance, reliability and data bandwidth. This allows for the rapid and efficient transmission of large volumes of data, which is crucial for high-resolution radar, imagery, real-time video feeds and other data-intensive applications prevalent in modern defence.
In fact, Felix Griffin, GK Adviser, outlined the UK’s Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) urgent need for increased focus and investment in RF development.
This is an exciting opportunity for the UK to continue as a world leader in RF technologies and helps to prioritise RF technologies as critical for defence and security. When funding is constrained, innovative projects often fall by the wayside, and critical areas, such as RF development, struggle to attract the necessary talent and expertise.
Academia requirements
To address the skills gap in RF, it is essential to cultivate industry-relevant skills that require a strong academic foundation, particularly from universities. While many academic institutions offer programs that focus on RF technologies, the industry requires enhanced collaboration between industry and academia to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills that meet current and future demands.
Institutions like Leeds University have been instrumental in advancing RF technology through dedicated departments and research programmes.
The company has recently witnessed significant progress in industry collaboration, with our Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Tudor Williams actively participating on the industrial advisory board at Leeds University, as well as the strategic advisory board of the Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI at Bradford University.
This academic foundation provides a pipeline of skilled professionals who are essential for driving innovation in RF technology. Access to skilled workers will always be essential for the growth of a region’s tech economy.
The Northeast has this in abundance, thanks to the numerous distinguished universities located within the area. As well as Leeds and Bradford, we have world-renowned institutions such as Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria and Teesside University, helping to ensure that thousands of young people acquire vital skills for the future economy – and many of them remain in the region, providing a robust talent pool for local companies.
This progress is a testament to the benefits of strategic investments and collaborative efforts, but to fully realise the potential of RF technology and address the skills gap, continued investment in both talent and research is required.
If you’d like to find out more about Filtronic, please visit the website here, https://filtronic.com/.