Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1536435
84 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JUNE 2025 Article by Becky Calwell and Myriam Sullivan JOBS FOR THE FUTURE Electronics manufacturers have faced per- sistent workforce challenges as they strug- gle to find skilled workers to meet rising production demands, while rapid advance- ments in technology raise the bar for techni- cal expertise. ese ongoing issues highlight the need for innovative workforce strategies to address talent shortages and adapt to the industry's evolving demands. We've seen what's possible. Employers who have embraced innovative solutions, such as apprenticeships and college-ready programs, have begun making progress in closing the talent gap. Associations like IPC have stayed ahead of the curve by equipping workers with the critical skills needed for high-demand roles that help manufacturers build a stronger and more resilient talent pipeline for the future. What Are the Challenges? • An aging workforce: In industries rang- ing from wholesale trade to manufactur- ing to education, one in four workers is 55 or older. As Baby Boomers retire, these employers must prepare for a talent exo- dus. Manufacturers need to be both cre- ative and committed—creative enough to embrace innovative solutions and commit- ted enough to invest in building a skilled and dependable talent pipeline. Confronting the Challenges of an Aging Workforce