IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
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IPC COMMUNITY 23 SUMMER 2023 enable individuals to develop the skills and connections needed to succeed in the field. By focusing on these three pillars, the Foundation is developing a pipeline of new talent and addressing our work- force development challenges. One of those efforts is the Careers in Electronics website. Why was it created? This website has curated more than 50 career profile videos that showcase the incredible options within the elec- tronics industry. We've intended it as a central hub, which we believe will draw a large audience, build a talent pool, increase aware- ness of opportunities within the industry, and help get people into jobs that meet their career objectives. What are your responsibilities as chair of the IPCEF? IPCEF was founded to address the number one concern of IPC membership at large: develop- ing a pipeline of new talent for the electronics industry. I work with the Foundation's board and senior management to set that mission and vision. We want to create awareness of electronics manufacturing careers. We do that by reaching out to high schools and techni- cal colleges/universities where we promote our access to content and connections within the industry. My overarching responsibility as chair is to ensure that there is leadership in place, and that we have the resources to achieve our mission. How does this work differ from your work as chair of the IPC Board of Directors? I first engaged with IPC 20 years ago and watched it mature into a global association. When I became IPC board chair, there were several new initiatives in place, but the core, foundational business and value proposition had been set on solid footing for decades. Thus, our role was to look forward 10 to 20 years and set a course that would maximize the benefit to our members. While there were several new initiatives within a dynamic indus- try association, the core, foundational busi- ness and value proposition to the industry had been set on solid footing for decades. As a board, we set a course maximizing the benefit to our members over that horizon. IPCEF is a relatively new entity with major challenges ahead but limitless options for how best to achieve our objectives. Finding the right leadership was critical, and we are blessed to have Charlene Gunter du Plessis at the helm. She provides experienced, consistent direction coupled with boundless energy and passion for the mission. She absolutely loves working with youth and seeing them flourish in our industry. That energy is contagious and is a major reason for IPCEF's success. How does IPCEF help educators prepare students for future careers? I come from a family of educators. Both of my parents are teachers, and my sister is in the education field. My views are formed from decades of first- and second-hand experi- ences, and my perspective is that our edu- cators are, for the most part, overworked,