IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1537730
Recognizing that they couldn't afford to rely solely on prior expe- rience or on-the-job trial and error, Milwaukee Electronics looked to the Global Electronics Association (formerly known as IPC), not just as a standards provider but also as a workforce training partner. More Than Compliance Milwaukee Electronics had already maintained a long-standing rela- tionship with the Global Electron- ics Association, using its standards and certifications to guide produc- tion practices for years. But when the company sought a scalable, structured training solution, the Association's Workforce Training program stood out. "When we realized we needed a better solution to train new employees and deepen the knowl- edge of our existing workforce, turning to the Global Electronics Association was a natural choice," Michele says. "The courses pro- vided essential foundational knowl- edge that we simply didn't have the resources to develop internally." From the outset, the imple- mentation was collaborative. The onboarding process was thorough, with regular check-ins and personalized support. "Kelly Lawrence and the team at the Global Electronics Association have been incredibly responsive, providing updates, troubleshoot- ing support, and making space for feedback in every meeting," Michele says. But adopting a new training platform is never plug-and-play—it requires cultural buy-in and oper- ational planning. Getting Buy-In, Building Trust To ensure a smooth rollout, Mil- waukee Electronics started by engaging operations managers and production supervisors across its three facilities—in Milwaukee, Wis- consin, Canby, Oregon, and Tecate, Mexico. Support came quickly once the value was clear. "We established two hours per week for each employee to com- plete courses," Michele says. "We emphasized that the training was about growth, not performance evaluation. That helped ease concerns and allowed employees to approach the program with- out pressure." This clarity helped employees across all levels understand that this wasn't just another box to check; it was a meaningful invest- ment in their future. Before launching, each site underwent platform training to get familiar with the interface and course structure. In Canby, the Association's support staff was even onsite during the first week to assist with password setup, navigation, and real-time troubleshooting. "It was a big lift for our training team, but it was absolutely worth it," Michele says. "That hands-on approach helped employees feel confident and engaged right from the start." Early Wins and Deeper Impact Now more than a year into using their Workforce Training subscrip- tion, Milwaukee Electronics has seen tangible and intangible results. "Several employees have told us the courses improved their understanding of processes and helped them feel more capa- ble in their roles," one Milwau- B I T S & B Y T E S Members of the Tecate team put the finishing touches on a box build.