IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
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62 Many industries have well-defined career path- ways leading from "What do you want to be when you grow up?" all the way to "Happy Retirement." Electronics manufacturing is not one of those indus- tries. The lack of well-developed education pipe- lines feeding ready-to-work talent into the industry leaves electronics manufacturing companies with little choice but to take on the full burden of training new workers. The knowledge and skills needed for careers in electronics manufacturing are specialized and evolve frequently. While schools can prepare entry-level can- didates in math and com- munication, these new workers enter the indus- try with almost no knowl- edge about electronics or manufacturing. Even the best electrical engi- neering programs focused on producing quality engineers lack instruction in practical industry knowledge. IPC is committed to addressing the core work- force-related challenges facing our industry, but some of these challenges cannot be addressed quickly. They require systemic change. We recog- nize the immensity of the problem and are commit- ted to addressing it long-term. But we also recog- nize that our industry is facing real problems that need immediate solutions. Training is an investment in the quality of your product. With economic uncertainty tightening training budgets and a need for quality instruction that has never been higher, IPC wants to make it eas- ier for companies to utilize the fundamental training programs that are necessary for quality electronic products. Over the last year, our Education Team developed two new online training programs, ESD Control for Manufacturing and Safety for Electron- ics Manufacturing that are free to all IPC and WHMA members. These programs include engaging online instruction, access to instructor tools and track- ing, assessments to validate understanding, and a traceable credential for auditing purposes. During August 2022, IP C field-tested thes e courses with 10 companies. The reviews were overwhelmingly positive. Technical training advisor Keith Jackson at Ultra Precision Control Systems in the UK com- mented, "The ESD course is relevant, speedy, and inter- active. The information is presented clearly, concisely, and to the point. I love how it keeps you focused and entertained as well. IPC has totally hit the mark." These streamlined interactive courses cover the required topics, and feature three modules each with a total running length of 40 to 45 minutes per course. Participants receive a unique serialized cer- tificate by scoring more than 80% on the final exam. IPC member companies can access the new courses through IPC EDGE, IPC's online learning plat- form used by industry companies to train thousands of employees across the globe. Both courses are now available in English, Spanish, French, and German. Course details and instructions on how to access the courses are available on Education.ipc.org. New Training Available MEMBER BENEFITS By Dave Hernandez, IPC VP, Education