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54 PCB007 MAGAZINE I FEBRUARY 2024 Across the industry, we have several letters of support from companies that have commit- ted to supporting our apprenticeship programs and implementing them in their U.S. facilities. Te: How does this align with the CHIPS Act? e CHIPS Act has a big focus on workforce development. IPC's National Program Stan- dards of Apprenticeship aligns seamlessly with the goals of the CHIPS Act to bolster semicon- ductor manufacturing in the U.S., by providing a supportive framework for workforce devel- opment within the electronics manufacturing industry. Because we're focusing on a PCB fab- ricator occupation, we're able to further sup- port the CHIPS Act by having a trained work- force that can allow PCBs to be fabricated here in the U.S., so we're increasing PCB fab- rication that supports the chip production. We have to support that onshoring effort in the PCB world, as only 4% of PCBs are currently manufactured in the U.S. Te: Cory, what are you most enjoying about your work in this program? I most enjoy getting to work with companies of various sizes in different states and navi- gating the workforce system for them in their state, figuring out the intricacies because every state is different and every grant is different. I really enjoy establishing those relationships and helping the employer solve the problem they have. Te: You came to IPC after teaching in a class- room, and then doing instruction at Lock- heed. Now you get to work with so many different companies. Yes, I get to have an impact on shaping what the workforce will look like in the future. is may be the single most important thing that has been done to address the workforce issue for our industry in the United States. Te: Cory, thank you for sharing about the IPC apprenticeship program, and congratulations on all your hard work. We look forward to seeing how it expands and progresses as you move forward. ank you. PCB007 Trade shows are an investment of valuable resources: time, money, labor, travel, and time away from the office. In fact, the average trade show investment in the United States is between $40,000–$60,000 (inkwellusa.com) simply for a booth. Trade shows take tremendous effort, and every exhibitor's goal is to get the greatest return on investment, which translates into closing sales. Being at the show and having products ready to present is just part of the ROI equation. It is also crit- ical to make your booth a destination so magnetic that prospects arrive at the event with a plan to seek you out, ready to do business. To really maxi- mize your investment and success, the work begins long before the show doors open. Pre-show mar- keting is a critical part of any successful trade show strategy. I-Connect007 trade show market- ing packages provide unparalleled pre- show and in-show visibility to help make your booth a destination for visitors while keeping you top-of-mind before, during, and after the show. To experience your best trade show ever, reach out to Barb Hockaday. Make the Most of Your Marketing and Trade Show Investment