Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1313710
28 SMT007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2020 with novice wire harness operators at volun- teer organizations and is scheduled for public launch early in the first quarter of 2021. Both operator workforce training programs are available in online self-paced and instruc- tor-led formats. Self-paced courses can be com- pleted independently from any device with an internet connection. The instructor-led for- mat allows instructors to stream the course to their students from any con- nected device. Students in instructor-led courses will also access the IPC EDGE online platform to com- plete exercises and assess- ments. In either format, organization instructors may track student prog- ress through the IPC EDGE platform. Workforce training programs also include a series of optional hands-on activities that help reinforce learning. Students that complete the required modules and at least one of the addi- tional modules earn an IPC certificate that identifies them as a Qualified IPC Operator. These certificates are serialized with a unique ID number that can be utilized for validation. PCB Designers Our approach to PCB design training differs from operator level training in two ways. First, the programs are taught live on IPC EDGE by IPC instructors that have decades of high-level industry experience. This allows us to com- bine the practical experience of our instruc- tors with the convenience of online education. Second, these programs utilize a project-based curriculum. The program instructor introduces new concepts and leads discussions twice per week. Weekly projects are assigned to reinforce learning and to provide students an immedi- ate opportunity to implement their new knowl- edge. Each of these programs will be offered at least once in 2021. The two core courses in the IPC PCB design curriculum are the six-week PCB Design I Introductory-Level Course and the eight-week PCB Design II Intermediate-Level Course. These courses are supplemented by a series of advanced-level courses focusing on specific areas of design, such as extreme environments, military and aerospace applications, rigid-flex boards, advanced packaging, embedded com- ponents, RF boards, and printed and wearable devices. What Is Coming Next? If you are anything like us, then the next question has to be, "What is coming next?" Simply put, quite a lot. While it's still a little too early to announce the next set of programs, we can provide a preview. We are currently completing a job task analysis on PCB, PCBA, and wire harness inspectors and tes- ters. Once completed, we will begin working on a series of training programs to address the various needs of these job functions. The first of these programs are scheduled for release in late 2021. To stay up to date on the latest news about the IPC Electronics Workforce Training Initia- tive, or to learn about the current programs, visit training.ipc.org. SMT007 Reference 1. Deloitte, "2018 skills gap in manufactur- ing study." David Hernandez is the VP of education for IPC. Carlos Plaza is the senior director of education for IPC.