Community Magazine

Community-Fall2025

IPC International Community magazine an association member publication

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3 8 C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E FA L L 2 0 2 5 Certified IPC Trainer training, and solder certification instruction. "This grant has allowed us to upskill both current and future employees with the critical technical skills needed in our industry," says Martha Rodriguez, HR manager at DETEX. "By building a strong, skilled workforce and prepar- ing team members for advancement, we boost morale and retention. Employees see long-term career paths here, and that makes a difference." The program's success lies in strong community partnerships. DETEX re- cently collaborated with Texas State Technical College (TSTC), Skillpoint Alliance, local high schools, the Global Electronics Association, and its local Chamber of Commerce to provide essential training. Together, these part- ners are sustaining a pipeline of talent that not only benefits DETEX but also strengthens the entire New Braunfels community. Florida: Local Workforce Board Solutions In Broward County, Florida, the local workforce board provides grant funding to help manufacturers launch apprenticeship programs. These funds reim- burse on-the-job training (OJT) costs, allowing local companies to redirect resources toward instructor certification and/or program expansion. With their successful implementation of our Reg- istered Apprenticeship Program, results are almost immediate. Companies can successfully train appren- tices and, due to cost savings, can consider multiple cohorts of apprentices while reimbursing costs for their training. This example demonstrates how even modest local grants can accelerate growth and lower barriers to entry for employers. Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area: Building Pipelines in Texas In Central Texas, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area, supported by a federal grant, is partnering with the Global Electronics Association and the Electronics Foundation to bring career awareness and pre-ap- prenticeship training into high schools. By providing hands-on activities, industry and career awareness, and ultimately embedding our Association curriculum into Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, stu- dents will graduate with industry-recognized creden- tials that make them job-ready for local manufacturers. This model has already proven successful at Diboll ISD in rural east Texas, where workforce board fund- ing enabled students to complete pre-apprentice- ship training before graduation. Many transitioned directly into employment with local manufacturers, demonstrating how strategic funding can create sus- tainable pipelines from classroom to career. Why State and Local Funding Matters Unlike federal programs, which can be broad and slow-moving, state and local grants tend to be more agile and responsive. They allow employers to target specific skill gaps, design customized training, and act quickly to meet workforce needs. When paired with community partnerships, these grants support not only the company but also the surrounding economy. The most impactful funding is no longer found only in Washington; it's in our own backyards. At the Global Electronics Association, we help em- ployers see and explore the possibilities in workforce development and funding. Our role goes beyond connecting you to apprenticeships, certifications, or pre-apprenticeship programs. We partner with you to reimagine what a sustainable talent pipeline looks like and uncover funding strategies that make growth at- tainable. From building future-ready teams to reducing training costs, the Association empowers employers to move beyond traditional models and tap into innova- tive solutions that strengthen competitiveness. B I T S & B Y T E S Let's talk about exploring your state and local funding opportunities to strengthen your workforce. victoriahawkins@electronics.org +1 847-597-2943 Connect with me!

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