IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
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IPC COMMUNITY 76 SUMMER 2024 ments and provided the required forms and step-by-step guidance. Her support was pivotal in completing the funding application, as I had not applied for this type of funding or apprentice program." In this interview, Martha explains DETEX's involvement in the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), specifically tailored for the elec- tronics assembler occupation. How has participating in the apprentice- ship program helped DETEX achieve its business goals? Martha Rodriquez: We want to reduce the ongoing recruit- ing challenges as we compete with other employers seeking qualified assemblers from the same talent pool. RAP caters to the needs of the burgeon- ing manufacturing sector in the region, specifi- cally the growth of DETEX. We hope to address our demand for skilled electronics assemblers by participating in this crucial initiative. How does the program benefit both the company and the employee? With the onsite apprenticeship program, we anticipate being able to upskill our current work- force expeditiously, properly train new hires, and increase their skill set, which will increase their compensation and our retention rates. Accordingly, the apprenticeship program outlines a career progres- sion to empower current and future employees to undergo self-paced OJT geared toward professional devel- opment that enhances employee advancement opportunities, which allows employees to control their own career progression. It also results in economic stability and supports com- pany retention efforts, and our ability to grow an internal certified soldering talent pipeline. How do you plan to use the funding awards for training? We have partnerships with Texas State Tech- nical College (TSTC), our local chamber of com- merce, and local workforce development agen- cies to deploy IPC's comprehensive electronics assembler apprenticeship curriculum, which is tailored to DETEX's employee needs. Our employees and local job seekers are offered training that encompasses theoreti- cal instruction and OJT, ensuring apprentices acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the field. Funding available through IPC will offset related technical instruction (RTI) costs. This training, coupled with on-the-job mentors and a pay increase thereafter, should reduce our turn- over and enable us to run our business more effi- ciently. What certifications can apprentices earn? Apprentices gain two industry-recognized credentials: IPC soldering certification and a journey-worker certification issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. They do not have to incur external tuition costs that may infringe on their finances and work/life balance. By investing in our employees, this program supports employee advancement, company suc- cession planning, and DETEX's commitment to being recognized as the employer of choice in the area.