Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1516724
66 SMT007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2024 Our current occupations are Electronics Assembler and PCB Fabricator. We plan on having additional occupations registered in 2024 to include PCB Design Engineer, Wire Harness Assembler, and even a Program Man- agement role. Te: Why is it important to have an apprentice- ship program approved by the Department of Labor? It allows the approved apprenticeship from the Department of Labor to be registered with each state. Since we have employers in all 50 states, we wanted to have a plug-and-play type appren- ticeship so that all employers, whether they are small mom-and-pop shops, medium-size employers, or large PCB and EMS companies, can utilize a registered apprenticeship model to help standardize training across the industry. Te: What feedback was IPC getting from industry? Did you see companies needed more help with training, and that companies would be open to this type of model? Yes, and the other benefit for employers is there are many funding opportunities available to help offset training costs because it's a model that has already been vetted by the Depart- ment of Labor. ere are local and state work- force dollars, and sometimes federal funding is available for employers to utilize for registered apprenticeship programs. It also offers career pathways for the employees so they're able to have a career instead of just a job. Te: What are the costs involved in a company having an apprenticeship program? Employers must bring in employees regard- less, so they're incurring the cost of recruit- ment, interviewing, and training all on their own time. We want them to be able to part- ner with entities in their region, like workforce boards, community colleges, high schools, uni- versities, and manufacturing associations so they can have a workforce ecosystem in place. is way, they're better able to utilize those dollars that might be available for recruitment and training. One option is through the fed- eral government's Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which funnels federal dol- lars down to states to help offset training costs through registered apprenticeships. Because it is a structured framework and a national pro- gram standard, that means that employers in any state can utilize it. LaRont: Federal (and state) grant money seems to be a huge opportunity, but it also seems that our companies are just not aware that this may be for them. How does IPC help companies access these funds? Accessing federal and state grant opportunities is indeed a valuable avenue for companies, and IPC is committed to supporting our industry partners in navigating and capitalizing on these funding resources. IPC is dedicated to provide education, guidance, advocacy, and resources to help empower companies to leverage these opportunities for growth, innovation, and workforce development. Victoria Hawkins, IPC's director of educa- tion grants and proposals, recently joined the U.S. Education Department and she and I are working very closely to provide education and