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64 SMT007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2024 Te: Can you define an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is an earn-while-you-learn model. Traditionally, we think of apprentices in jobs like plumbing and HVAC. IPC is joining that space to expand and diversify pathways into good jobs and careers in advanced manu- facturing. In an apprenticeship, there are three components. You have an apprentice learning a skill, a journey worker who is already profi- cient in a skill, and you have related technical instruction to get the theoretical background and the technical information you need to be successful. e mentor teaches the apprentice all the skills they need to be fully competent by the time their apprenticeship is over through the on-the-job learning aspect. ere's also a behavioral competency por- tion, which considers the so skills that every- body always complains that people don't have. Are you able to show up on time to work? Are you trustworthy? In the electronics industry, are you making sure you're recording the date and batch codes and serial numbers appropri- ately so that there is traceability for parts and components that could be recalled later? Do you have attention to detail? It's things like that which are oen established in a company cul- ture. Marcy LaRont: Explain the importance of the mentor/mentee relationship and how the apprenticeship manages or highlights it. That seems key. e mentor/mentee relationship is a crucial component of IPC's National Program Stan- dards of Apprenticeship. is relationship plays a significant role in the successful devel- opment and progression of apprentices within the program. When looking at the impor- tance of these relationships during an appren- ticeship, it's important to consider the struc- tured transfer of knowledge through hands-on training and on-the-job experience facilitated by mentors. roughout the apprentice- ship, there are mechanisms for regular perfor- mance assessments and feedback discussions between mentors and apprentices. We recog- nize the mentor/mentee relationship as a cor- nerstone for apprentice development. Mentors play a key role in providing constructive feed- back on an apprentice's performance, which aids their professional development. e stan- dards outline clear expectations, responsibili- ties, and mechanisms for managing the impor- tance of this relationship to ensure a successful and well-rounded apprenticeship experience. Te: What is the financial incentive to the apprentice? Participating in IPC's apprenticeship programs offers several financial incentives for appren- tices. ese incentives are designed to attract individuals to apprenticeships, support them during their training, and enhance the over- all attractiveness of apprenticeship as a career pathway. Earn while you learn: Apprentices receive wages for the work they perform during the on-the-job training component of their apprenticeship. is model allows apprentices to start earning a paycheck from day one, mak- ing apprenticeships financially viable for indi- viduals entering the workforce. Cory Blaylock