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FEBRUARY 2025 I PCB007 MAGAZINE 51 Blackfox is the worldwide leader in providing IPC certification and custom training systems to the manufacturing industry's top companies. Blackfox provides solutions for the electronics manufacturing industry. Visit us online at blackfox.com. Train and Certify Manufacturing Employees and Support Staff to the IPC Standards IPC certification is an internationally recog- nized credential that proves an employee's knowledge and skill level. IPC training and cer- tification is industry developed and covers electronics manufacturing quality concerns, including PCB assembly and soldering, rework and repair, wire and cable harness production, and bare PCB fabrication. Having an IPC-certi- fied workforce demonstrates an attention to detail and commitment to quality. Fill Training Gaps with Customized Courses that Focus on Basic Knowledge and Skills IPC training and other standardized courses don't cover every aspect of electronics man- ufacturing. Therefore, it is important to have customized courses that fill those missed gaps. Basic soldering, ESD, and electronic component identification are just a few exam- ples of the many courses that complement IPC certification and ensure that your work- force is prepared for any challenges that may come their way. Access Tools and Resources to Assess Your Workforce and Maintain Skill Levels Assessing your workforce before and after training is an essential part of a proper manu- facturing training program. The effectiveness of training and the retention of knowledge gained can be gauged through assessments that are computer-based, interview-based, or audit-based. In addition to assessments, both students and trainers need to have complete access to resource documents and training materials after training has been completed. Stay Up to Date Amid Constant Changes in the Electronics Manufacturing Industry Technological advances and new discoveries are occurring constantly that greatly impact how we manufacture electronic products and evaluate them for quality. This makes maintain- ing your IPC Certifications through renewal and recertification critically important. In addition, attending industry meetings and participating in IPC committees will ensure access to the lat- est information. Establish Trusted Industry Partnerships to Maintain a Commitment to Quality After a trained and skilled workforce has been established, it is critical to maintain relation- ships with trusted industry partners to sus- tain a high level of manufacturing quality. This includes companies and organizations that provide services such as: consulting to help correct ongoing process issues; workshops addressing common industry problems; and assistance with implementing a comprehen- sive training program. 1 2 3 4 5