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64 PCB007 MAGAZINE I NOVEMBER 2023 learn deep skills of the cra over a designated amount of time. While mentees may learn more vocabulary centered on certain areas of the manufacturing process, they will develop a general repertoire used by their colleagues. Note: A mentorship approach should be paired in conjunction with another approach to increase the knowledge base across the manufacturing processes. 4. PCB 101 Class A PCB 101 course is a quick and easy way for all levels of employees to quickly learn the basic terminology heard on the floor. Both operators and technical positions can bene- fit from a one- to two-hour crash course into the makings of a PCB. A PCB 101 class is best when completed within the first three months of employment to allow the employee to connect what they are seeing each day. A bonus with this approach is that everyone participating in the class is at the same knowledge level with the course being taught. IPC offers a video course which may suit this need, titled, "Fun- damentals of PCB Fabrication & Assembly." 5. A Day With Final Inspection Spending time with the final inspection department is one of the best opportunities to learn about defects in the manufacturing pro- cess. Just a couple of hours in the final inspec- tion department is a lesson into conformance vs. non-conformance with reasoning why. An experienced final inspector can define the dif- ferences between measling, crazing, and halo- ing, or inkjet splatter and bleeding. ese team members use industry standards and language to determine "good" vs. "bad." Frankly, they are an invaluable resource from those who have seen (most of ) it all while bringing the PCB process full circle. If you're looking for a 1. A PCB Reference Guide Let's face it, if all the words used daily in a fab house were written down, a new Webster's Dictionary could be created around circuit boards alone. Having a document with images and definitions to describe the most com- mon vocabulary allows an employee to make a quick reference without having to "bother" a colleague for the difference between ENEPIG and EPAG for the fourth time in a week. A document like this creates confidence in the employee to learn at their own pace between onboarding activities. PCB reference guides may include a basic process flow, animated/ real images of defects and basic definitions for the top 100+ words and phrases. One good resource is IPC-T-50N, "Terms and Defini- tions for Interconnecting and Packaging Elec- tronics Circuits." 2. Internships Internships are the best way to ease an employee into the industry. ey create a lower pressure environment for students to work on projects rel- evant to potential careers whilst unconsciously picking up on new terminology. Along with the increased recruitment opportunities for the employer, internships are a wonderful opportunity for interns to work in multiple areas of a manufacturing facility with members of their future team. By the end of the summer, an intern will have the experience and understanding of PCB manufacturing not commonly held by their peers. 3. Mentorships is is my personal favorite because I believe all good training programs involve a level of mentorship. Mentors can provide a verbal explanation with real examples in a timely manner. e mentee in this relationship will Internships are the best way to ease an employee into the industry.