Career Development
Take your career to the next level / Whether you’re new to the concept of photonic chips or looking to expand your existing expertise, our industry offers you a wide range of upskilling and reskilling opportunities. From hands-on workshops to advanced technical courses, we offer you what you need to maximise your talent and contribute to groundbreaking solutions in healthcare, AI, telecommunications and beyond.
Training programs and courses
In collaboration with education institutes, companies within our industry have developed a variety of training programs and courses. Below, you find an overview of these courses. All are crafted to provide you with the knowledge and practical experience needed to excel and innovate within and related to integrated photonics. Illuminate your professional path by enrolling today! This page is continuously updated.

Photonics and Optical Instrumentation
Optics and Optical Instruments by Mikrocentrum
Delve into the fascinating behavior of light and discover how to enhance your optical systems. This course offers an in-depth exploration of how optical components synergize, enabling you to optimize instruments for applications in semiconductors and machine vision inspection systems. Engage with both geometric and physical optics through hands-on practical sessions that bring theory to life. Explore the course details.
Advanced Optics by Mikrocentrum
Elevate your understanding of cutting-edge optical principles and learn to apply them in real-world scenarios. This comprehensive course covers critical topics such as Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), polarization, birefringence, interference, diffraction, and aberrations, equipping you with the skills to tackle complex optical challenges. Discover more about this advanced course.
Optics Courses by High Tech Institute
Whether you’re beginning your journey or seeking to deepen your expertise, the High Tech Institute offers a diverse range of optics training programs tailored to various proficiency levels. From foundational concepts to advanced techniques, find the course that aligns with your aspirations and check the upcoming schedules. Browse available courses and dates.
Lasers, Laser Technology, and Laser Safety by Mikrocentrum
Ensure you possess the critical knowledge and skills to work safely and effectively with laser technology. Mikrocentrum provides specialized courses, including Laser Safety Officer and Laser Safety, designed to keep you at the forefront of laser applications while prioritizing safety. Learn more about these essential courses.

Material Packaging
Semiconductor Packaging University Program by CITC
Dive into the cutting-edge world of semiconductor packaging with this unique program, developed in collaboration with HAN University of Applied Sciences. This comprehensive course covers every essential aspect of chip packaging, blending in-depth theoretical knowledge with practical application. As the crucial final step in manufacturing, chip packaging involves housing the chip and ensuring its functionality through robust design, assembly, reliability, and testing techniques. Discover more about the program here.
Manufacturing
Cleanliness by Mikrocentrum
Ensure the highest standards of cleanliness in production environments with this focused course. Learn how to effectively control and manage cleanliness, covering crucial topics like contamination prevention, measurement techniques, and best practices for maintaining cleanrooms and other critical settings. This course is designed to help you minimize risks and achieve optimal quality in high-tech manufacturing processes. Learn more about the Cleanliness course here.
Contamination control & cleanliness to behaviour in the cleanroom by VCCN
The Vereniging Contamination Control Nederland (VCCN) offers a broad range of training programs aimed at mastering contamination control in critical environments. From cleanroom technology to contamination prevention and advanced measurement techniques, VCCN provides the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in high-tech industries. Explore the complete training portfolio here.
Circuit Design
PIC Design Course by JePPIX
Develop your skills in designing photonic integrated circuits (PICs) with this hands-on design course by JePPIX. Covering everything from the fundamentals of PIC layout and simulation to practical tools and techniques, this course ensures you can create reliable, high-performance designs that meet industry demands. Learn more about the PIC Design Course here.
PIC Concepts Training by JePPIX
Gain a comprehensive introduction to the concepts behind photonic integrated circuits with JePPIX’s PIC Concepts Training. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles, applications, and ecosystem of PICs, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the growing field of photonics. Learn more about the PIC Concepts Training here.
Curious about additional learning and development opportunities? Reach out to the individual companies for more information. Visit the Companies Page for further details.
New to Photonic Chips?
Are photonic chips and the underlying technology unfamiliar to you? Chilas BV, in collaboration with Dave van Dijk, a physics teacher at De Nieuwe Veste in Hardenberg, has developed an online course to help you get started with photonics. Initially created for high school students (havo/vwo), this module is now publicly accessible, providing an excellent introduction to this fascinating field.
Please note: this material is only available in Dutch. Click here to explore the course materials.


Career Development in the Photonics Industry
The photonic chip industry is a dynamic and rapidly growing field that offers countless opportunities to create your own career path. Alongside training programs and courses, this industry provides the freedom to shape your role and define your next steps. This requires a mindset of entrepreneurship, flexibility, and adaptability. But don’t worry-this industry also offers plenty of stability and security.
Entrepreneurship:
Innovation and out-of-the-box thinking are key to success in photonics. This mindset will help you navigate and excel in this evolving field.
Flexibility and adaptability:
The industry thrives on a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen. Since there’s no fixed blueprint for success, professionals have the chance to explore various career paths that align with their unique skills and experiences.
(Job) Stability and security:
As the largest hub for photonic chip technology, the Dutch Photonic Chip Industry offers a vast ecosystem of learning and career opportunities. Additionally, the skills developed in this field are highly transferable, making transitions to and from the photonics sector seamless.
Curious about how career development works in practice? Discover an inspiring example by reading the story of Cees Links below.
Ready to Shape Your Future in Photonics?
The Dutch Photonic Chips industry is brimming with opportunities for professionals eager to innovate and grow. Whether you’re looking to deepen your skills, explore cutting-edge technologies, or launch a transformative career, the possibilities are endless.
