Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1202019
24 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2020 shortage of technically skilled workers, to name a few. Workforce Champions The electronics industry has a responsibil- ity to train the workers of tomorrow, recog- nizing that many of those job descriptions haven't even been thought of yet. Over the last two years, IPC has doubled down on its longstanding commitment to addressing the skills gaps affecting the electronics indus- try (see my August column). At IPC APEX EXPO 2020, we will be unveiling new work- er credentialing programs that will further drive excellence. We'll also renew our call for government policies and initiatives that more effectively link workforce education programs with job opportunities. Industry Intelligence Consistent with IPC's role as the eyes and ears of the electronics industry, we will be announcing several initiatives to expand our research and insight programs, includ- ing a landmark study by IPC's new Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac on the many economic contributions of our industry. Many of the deliverables of our expanded research program will be useful in planning your business strategies and educating poli- cymakers as well. Opportunities to Engage and Learn Throughout the show, we will have numer- ous opportunities to learn from and engage with each other. For example, the IPC GR team will be partic- ipating in many of the industry standards dis- cussions that are relevant to government pol- icies, such as the groups that are developing materials declaration standards, halogen-free materials guidance documents, and the trust- ed electronic designer, fabricator, and assem- blers standards. Please contact me if you have thoughts or questions on any standards-relat- ed issue. Members of the IPC North American Gov- ernment Relations Committee, who provide es- sential input for our advocacy work, will gath- er for their next meeting on February 3. The meeting is by invitation only, but anyone inter- ested in the work of the GR Committee is invit- ed to contact Ken Schramko, IPC senior direc- tor of North American government relations, for more details. The IPC Environment, Health, and Safe- ty (EHS) Committee will gather on February 5 to discuss EHS policies, research priorities, and upcoming happenings that are applicable to electronics manufacturers. This meeting is also by invitation only, but anyone interested is invited to contact Kelly Scanlon, IPC director of EHS policy and research, for more details. Speaking of EHS issues, on February 4, Kel- ly will lead an open session on California's en- vironmental regulations, with expert contri- butions from Michael Easter, principal of En- SIGHT—a California-based consulting firm— and Carol Monahan Cummings, chief counsel of the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). And it wouldn't be a complete business con- ference without a networking reception! On February 4 from 4:00–5:00 p.m., all IPC APEX EXPO attendees are invited to join us for a GR- team-sponsored reception titled, "From D.C. to Brussels, Beijing, and Beyond: How IPC Advo- cates for Your Company and How You Can Get Involved." We'll have an open bar, light snacks, and a few tips and tools for you to make your voice heard by your government officials. See you in San Diego! PCB007 Chris Mitchell is IPC's VP of global government affairs. Contact him at ChrisMitchell@ipc.org, and view his columnist page here. The electronics industry has a responsibility to train the workers of tomorrow...