Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1428512
36 PCB007 MAGAZINE I NOVEMBER 2021 While I've oen heard the term "skills gap" used as a catch-all for training issues, it always seemed like an oversimplification of the prob- lem. A skills gap problem implies that the skills the industry possesses are different than the skills the industry needs. e workforce chal- lenges we are seeing today extend beyond a skills gap to also encompass the identification and onboarding of new talent, providing ongo- ing, job-based training to existing workers, and a means of upskilling to utilize the latest techniques and technologies. IPC is commit- ted to addressing all aspects of the workforce challenge by collaborating with our member- ship and the industry. According to a study from Deloitte and e Manufacturing Institute, the U.S. manufactur- ing skills gap could leave as many as 2.1 mil- lion jobs unfilled by 2030 1 , costing the U.S. economy more than $1 trillion in 2030 alone. Finding skilled workers is becoming more dif- ficult on a daily basis, as competition for talent increases. While many may equate this pro- gram solely to the operator level, the industry is experiencing this same challenge for middle- and high-skill jobs as well. e IPC Workforce Development Program seeks to address the various challenges facing the industry at each skill level. Finding New Talent e IPC Education Foundation (IPCEF), in conjunction with the IPC Education Team and industry volunteers and partners are actively Better Electronics Start with Better Training One World, One Industry by Dr. John Mitchell, IPC PRESIDENT AND CEO