ChipTech Twente Talent
The microchip sector is a important driver of the economy. To continue growing as a high-tech region in Twente, we are investing extensively in technical talent. We do this by training Dutch talent, attracting and retaining international talent, offering opportunities to career switchers, and providing ongoing professional development for current professionals. The challenges of the future require a new way of learning, thinking, and collaborating. At Saxion, we bring together technical education, practice-oriented research, and the business community.
The Saxion Program within ChipTech Twente Talent
Within ChipTech Twente Talent, Saxion is working toward various goals that collectively contribute to increasing the supply of technical talent in the region. The focus is on student recruitment, academic success, practice-oriented learning, collaboration with companies, and the ongoing development of professionals.
The ambitions
Saxion’s mission is to recruit more technical talent, train them successfully and help them secure roles in the technology sector in Twente. To this aim, we focus on increasing the intake into technical degree programmes and increasing the stay rate of students in the region.
We do this for various target groups, including international students, Dutch students, students from the border region, holders of residence permits, people re-entering the labour market and women. Together with educational institutions and the professional sector, we are making engineering more visible, accessible and attractive to new talent.
As part of this ambition, Saxion is working to improve academic success within technical degree programmes that are aligned with the microchip sector. The aim is to ensure that every engineering student is in the right place and stays there, with tailored support and teaching that is truly relevant.
In doing so, we are focusing on reducing drop-out rates, improving graduation rates and ensuring a better alignment between ROC, Saxion and the University of Twente. Through appropriate support, flexible pathways and practice-oriented teaching, we help students to further develop their talents.
Establishing a Semicon Learning Centre
The Semicon Learning Centres will be attractive, inspiring and safe places where students, lecturers, researchers and engineers from companies come together and collaborate. They inspire one another by sharing knowledge on how to solve real-world problems and challenges. This creates an environment where talent, knowledge and practical issues converge.
The Semicon Learning Center is an inspiring lab where you can learn about specific aspects of chip production, such as chip testing, assembly and packaging. Here, students, lecturers, researchers and engineers from industry work together on assignments and projects using machinery and equipment from the chip sector.
Strengthening the Lifelong Learning Offering
The microchip sector is changing rapidly. That is why it is important for technical talent to continue developing their skills. Saxion is working with ROC van Twente, the University of Twente and businesses to develop flexible education programmes that are tailored to the needs of the work environment.
Together with industry partners, we are identifying the knowledge and skills required. Based on this, we are developing modular programmes that enable employees to undertake targeted further training. In this way, companies and professionals remain prepared for technological developments in the sector.
Strengthening study programmes
At Saxion, as part of ChipTech Twente Talent, we are working to continue developing and strengthening the existing range of study programmes related to the chip tech and semiconductor sectors. This includes chip tech-related education and the further development and updating of curricula, so that they remain aligned with industry practice and developments in the sector.
- AD Software Development
- Applied Computer Science (Bachelor)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Bachelor)
- Information and Communication Technology - Software Engineering (Bachelor)
- Mechatronics (Bachelor)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor)
- Master ICT: Software Engineering
- Master of Science in Applied Nanotechnology
- Master of Science in Applied Quantum Technology
Collaboration partners
ChipTech Twente Talent is a joint collaboration between education, research, government and industry. The strength of this partnership lies in the link between learning, research and work. By bringing together knowledge, facilities and practical challenges, a solid foundation is created for technical talent in Twente. For companies, researchers and other knowledge institutions, this offers opportunities to get involved, contribute ideas and work together on solutions for the microchip sector.
All activities relating to ChipTech Twente Talent are made possible in part by the National Microchip Talent Strengthening Plan. In Twente, ROC van Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, the University of Twente, Ondernemend Twente, Twente Board Development and the vocational colleges SMEOT, REMO, STODT and Process Your Future are joining forces under the name ChipTech Twente Talent.
National Plan to Strengthen Microchip Talent
ChipTech Twente Talent stems from the National Microchip Talent Strengthening Plan, formerly known as Project Beethoven. Through this programme, the Dutch government and various regions are investing in strengthening the microchip sector.
The total investment amounts to €2.51 billion. This funding is allocated to fields such as education, talent development, lifelong learning and infrastructure. The aim is to train, attract, upskill and retain more technical talent for the microchip sector.
Twente, alongside regions such as Eindhoven, Delft and Groningen, has been designated as a high-tech region where additional investment will be made. Through ChipTech Twente Talent, the region is contributing to the national ambition to reduce the shortage of technical talent.