As advanced semiconductor chip design gain strategic importance worldwide, Bangladesh faces an urgent need to strengthen its skilled workforce. Addressing this challenge, Ulkasemi VLSI Training Institute (UVTI) has introduced specialised training initiatives aimed at preparing engineers for the semiconductor and VLSI industries, a press release said.
UVTI has structured its programmes around a modern, practical, and industry-focused curriculum, covering critical areas of semiconductor design such as Register Transfer Level (RTL) design, Design Verification, Physical Design (Place and Route), Digital and Analog Layout, and Design for Testability (DFT). The courses are designed to closely mirror real-world working environments, enabling trainees to gain hands-on experience aligned with industry expectations.
The institute reports that around 80–90 percent of the training involves hands-on use of industry-standard Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, with instruction delivered by experienced professionals from the semiconductor industry. Most courses are conducted over a three-month period, with classes held five days a week, amounting to approximately 240 hours of training, extendable up to 480 hours depending on the course.
Currently, UVTI is offering courses in IC Mask Design and IC Physical Design, while plans are underway to introduce advanced programmes in Analog Design and Design Verification. The institute has the capacity to train up to 150 students at a time, and trainees receive international-standard certification upon successful completion of their courses.
Industry experts note that while engineering graduates acquire foundational knowledge at universities, specialised, job-oriented training is essential for immediate entry into semiconductor roles.
“Over the next five years, employment opportunities in the semiconductor sector are expected to grow nearly threefold, particularly in high-paying technical positions,” said an industry expert. “Training initiatives like UVTI are crucial, as they equip engineers with the specialised skills needed to tap into this rapidly expanding global market.”
