A Newport educational institution has secured a prestigious honour after introducing a pioneering electronics qualification for the first time anywhere in Britain.
Bassaleg School collected the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Project of the Year prize at the South Wales Community Awards 2026, held at Rodney Parade on October 8.
The secondary school received recognition for its implementation of the WJEC Level 2 Award in Semiconductors, a certification tailored to provide young people with practical expertise and understanding within the rapidly expanding chip manufacturing sector.
The credential carries the same academic standing as a GCSE and merges theoretical instruction with practical application, encompassing topics such as electronic circuitry, cleanroom protocols, quality assurance procedures and workplace safety standards.
A representative from the institution expressed that the team felt tremendous pride upon receiving the honour, describing it as reflecting an outstanding partnership between the school and industry partners that had broadened students’ horizons regarding a thriving, globally competitive field operating right in their local area.
The award highlighted the significance of collaboration between educational establishments and commercial enterprises.
According to school officials, achieving the distinction of being the initial institution nationwide to offer this WJEC qualification represented a remarkable milestone that would not have materialised without the backing of CSconnected and IUNGO Solutions.
The recognition demonstrates how such cooperative ventures can generate meaningful prospects for young people.
The school anticipates that the certification will encourage students to consider future employment in the semiconductor domain, which supplies the electronic components found in mobile phones, computing systems and electric automobiles.
Additionally, the initiative aims to support regional retention of ambitious and capable individuals within Wales, ensuring that homegrown expertise remains available to the local economy.
A school spokesperson noted that providing opportunities to cultivate the upcoming generation of workers is vital for maintaining Welsh talent within the nation.
Presented by Brandon Jones, who serves as skills manager at CSconnected, the accolade was made possible through sponsorship by that organisation.
The honour acknowledges exemplary science, technology, engineering and mathematics ventures across primary, secondary and higher education institutions.
The ceremony’s facilitator described the school’s curriculum as innovative, offering students valuable exposure to practical experience within one of the world’s most dynamic industrial sectors.
Bassaleg School’s accomplishment highlights how productive school-industry relationships can operate, reflecting the trajectory of Newport’s expanding semiconductor cluster.