Methods and apparatus for formation of a semiconductor substrate with photoactive dielectric material, embedded traces, a padless skip via extending through two dielectric layers, and a coreless package are provided. In one embodiment, a method for forming a core having a copper layer; laminating the copper layer a photoactive dielectric layer; forming a plurality of trace patterns in the photoactive dielectric layer; plating the plurality of trace patterns to form a plurality of traces; forming an insulating dielectric layer on the photoactive dielectric layer; forming a via through the insulating dielectric layer and the photoactive dielectric layer; forming additional routing patterns on the insulating dielectric layer; removing the core; and applying a solder mask.