IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
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IPC COMMUNITY 91 SUMMER 2024 "These challenges are substantial but not insur- mountable," says David Hernandez. In keeping with IPC's mission to foster the success of elec- tronics manufacturing companies, this white- paper describes how an industry-driven talent pipeline and career pathways can create the ready pool of qualified job candidates that OEMs, and EMS and PCB manufacturers need to compete and grow over the next decade and beyond. "IPC is delivering a multifaceted approach to recruit- ment and training," David says. "This is essential if we are to turn current socioeconomic, demo- graphic, and cultural trends into opportunities for growth." IPC's Approach IPCs plan to address the electronics manufac- turing industry's workforce challenge focuses on developing a comprehensive strategy to bridge the growing skills gap and counteract the labor shortage exacerbated by demographic shifts and changing worker expectations. IPC's plan aims to address immediate labor market needs and ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the electronics manufacturing industry by building a skilled, adaptable, and motivated workforce. Key elements of the plan include: • Talent pipeline: Establishing partnerships between educational institutions, busi- nesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to ensure a steady flow of skilled workers into the electronics manu- facturing industry. • Career pathways: Developing clear and structured career pathways that outline progression from entry-level positions to advanced roles, enhancing the visibility of career advancement opportunities within the industry. • Training and education: Prioritizing the development of industry-defined training programs that equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge, including technical and soft skills. • Dispelling myths: Launching outreach efforts to improve the perception of manu- facturing careers, highlighting the innovative aspects of the industry, and addressing mis- conceptions about manufacturing jobs. • Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between government, academia, and indus- try to speed the transition of students and trainees into the workforce, including internships, apprenticeships, and mentor- ship programs. • Standardized credentials: Supporting the adoption of universally recognized, stack- able credentials that validate the competen- cies and skills of qualified job candidates. "IPC has enacted the first phase of its com- prehensive plan to make this vision a reality. By offering courses like Electronics Assembly for Operators, Wire Harness Assembly for Operators, Electronics Assembly for Engineers, and PCB Design I & II, IPC enables electronics manufac- turers to expedite onboarding new employees," says John W. Mitchell. "Additionally, the adoption of the first U.S. Department of Labor-approved IPC apprenticeship programs allows companies to provide the instruction that employees need to perform their jobs to industry-defined profi- ciency levels." "Clearly, the workforce challenges facing the electronics manufacturing industry cannot be solved by traditional educational pathways and paradigms," says Carlos Plaza. "A multifaceted approach to recruitment and training is essen- tial to turn current socioeconomic, demo- graphic, and cultural trends into opportunities for growth." Click here to download the white paper. For more information about the IPC Workforce Initiative, visit education.ipc.org.