Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1536435
86 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JUNE 2025 • Talent shortage: A lagging labor force participation rate and a mismatch between training programs and employer needs will exacerbate the talent short- age. e rapid pace of technological advancements continues to widen the gap between the skills workers have and the skills employers need. What Are the Solutions? To address these challenges, employers must focus on both recruiting and retaining talent through education, clear job roles, and apprenticeships. • Partnerships: Employers can build strong partnerships with career-technical edu- cation (CTE) programs, community col- leges, workforce development boards, and intermediaries like Jobs for the Future ( JFF), which aligns training with the real- world needs of manufacturers, ensuring workers have the critical skills needed to meet the demands of the job. • Clear roles: We've found that employee retention is higher when employers offer quality jobs with clear career pathways and opportunities for advancement. Qual- ity jobs include pathways for advancement supported by initiatives like apprentice- ships and stackable credentials. Employers who invest in creating these roles are bet- ter positioned to attract and retain top tal- ent. By prioritizing quality jobs, employ- ers can build a resilient workforce capable of meeting current and future demands. As highlighted in JFF's Quality Jobs Frame- work, today's workers seek more than just competitive wages; they want stabil- ity, growth opportunities, and meaningful work. ese programs enhance job satis- faction while creating a culture of learning and innovation. • Apprenticeships: ese and other high- quality work-based learning opportuni- ties are one of the most effective tools for addressing workforce shortages because they offer both new and experienced employees a clear trajectory for growth, development, and advancement. Over the past year, IPC has supported the development of national apprenticeship pro- grams for high-demand roles, such as elec- tronics assembler and design engineer. ese programs equip workers with tech- nical skills, mentorship, and nationally rec- ognized credentials while giving manufac- turers access to a reliable pool of skilled tal- ent. By encouraging a culture of learning and innovation, apprenticeships help bridge generational gaps in the workforce, particularly as experienced workers near retirement. AI Transforming the Industry From optimizing design processes to automat- ing production, AI offers unprecedented opportu- nities for efficiency and innovation. Upskilling existing employees and preparing new hires to leverage these technol-