Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1486199
26 SMT007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2022 by talking to industry representatives, exhibi- tors at their booths, and to learn specific skill development tracks which include hands- on soldering, PCB design, and engagement opportunities for students and industry to con- nect through the show floor tour, booth visits, career panel, and career roundtable discussion. Soldering: e students will participate in a hands-on soldering, pin build activity. ey are always very excited to showcase what they've soldered on a PCB board. It is a fun activity with interactive components such as LED lights that flicker. You'll see these flicker- ing LEDs on their clothing as they walk around on the show floor, so be sure to acknowledge their soldering skills when you see them. Design: We are very fortunate to have support from Altium and Arduino for the PCBeeChange design competition. e aim of this competition is to inspire students to consider a career path in PCB design while solving an environmental problem within their respective countries. We have approximately 210 different teams competing across 26 coun- tries. We will showcase the winners of both the high school and university/college sections. Show floor tour: Groups of students will tour the IPC APEX EXPO show floor. ose who are familiar with this event know IPC attracts between 9,000 and 11,000 attendees as exhibitors, suppliers, indus- try representatives, and other interested parties. is is an amazing opportunity for stu- dents to participate in a very large event with a single focus. Students stop at assigned exhib- itor booths, engage by asking career-related questions, and learn about the industry. Career panel luncheon: Stu- dents will gather to participate in a lunchtime career panel discussion comprised of vari- ous industry experts such as our event spon- sors and IPC Emerging Engineers who bring a variety of skills, backgrounds, and different career stories to inspire the students. I believe this widens the knowledge and decision-mak- ing aspects for a student to know: "If I really want to be an engineer, this is what I need to do." e panel will be moderated by IPC Pres- ident and CEO Dr. John W. Mitchell. It will be recorded and broadcasted to many schools across the United States. Roundtable discussion: We realize that it can be difficult for students to ask very personal questions during the Q&A part of the career panel and therefore we have implemented this opportunity for students to engage with indus- try members. It is an honest, transparent, and open setting where students can receive real answers organically. ey need real answers from real people sharing real stories. We feel that authenticity is needed to change the per- ception that people might have about electron- ics manufacturing. You Can Be a Sponsor We are very thankful for the support from TTM Technologies as the premier sponsor of the overall STEM event. We always have sup-