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MARCH 2024 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 65 Wage progression: Apprenticeship programs follow a structured wage progression, where apprentices receive incremental pay increases as they advance through the program. It pro- vides a clear path for income growth, incen- tivizing apprentices to continue and complete their training. Competitive salaries: Apprenticeships oen lead to careers with competitive salaries. As apprentices acquire valuable skills and experi- ence, they become more qualified for higher- paying positions within their chosen industry. Completing an apprenticeship enhances long- term earning potential. Industry-recognized credentials: Complet- ing IPC's apprenticeship program results in the attainment of industry-recognized creden- tials and certifications, as well as a nationally recognized credential from the U.S. Depart- ment of Labor, upon completion of the pro- gram. ese credentials enhance an appren- tice's marketability, making them more attrac- tive to employers and potentially leading to higher-paying job opportunities. Te: What was involved in creating the IPC apprenticeship program? Creating the IPC Apprenticeship National Program Standards was a comprehensive and collaborative effort aimed at bridging the gap between industry needs and workforce devel- opment. Our program is designed to cultivate skilled professionals in the electronics assem- bly, aligning with the dynamic demands of the industry. LaRont: What was the process for getting to the adoption stage? Which apprenticeships are currently launched and which are still in the works? What are the timelines? e process to make our national stan- dards applicable across the industry involved the following steps. We are working on steps five to seven with our currently registered occupations, but as we register additional occupations with the Department of Labor to meet the needs of industry, this becomes an iterative process. One of our goals is to have these apprenticeship programs be a "plug and play" workforce train- ing option that employers can adopt, which is beneficial to them and their employees. The Seven Steps 1. Needs assessment: Conducted thorough research to identify key skills required in electronics manufacturing. 2. Stakeholder collaboration: Engaging with industry, education, and apprenticeship experts for a holistic perspective. 3. Curriculum alignment: Developing a cur- riculum aligning theoretical knowledge with IPC standards for practical skills. 4. Registered apprenticeship structure: Formally structuring the program as a reg- istered apprenticeship, meeting Depart- ment of Labor criteria. 5. Educational partnerships: Forging part- nerships with high school CTE programs, technical colleges, and universities to ensure high-quality program delivery. 6. Continuous improvement: Establishing feedback mechanisms for ongoing pro- gram refinement. 7. Outreach and promotion: Conducting extensive awareness campaigns targeting potential apprentices and employers.