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74 SMT007 MAGAZINE I FEBRUARY 2026 F E AT U R E I N T E RV I E W BY M A R CY L A R O N T, I - C O N N ECT0 07 The Power of Apprenticeship T he lack of a skilled workforce looms large over the elec- tronics manufacturing industry, but the Global Elec- tronics Association is building a powerful solution through an apprenticeship program that has evolved into a nationally recognized, well-funded work- force engine. Cory Blaylock and Vicki Hawkins are cutting through red tape with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to access millions of dollars in funding, and their collaboration with industry companies, creative prob- lem solving, and commitment to success is helping address this great challenge and shape the next-gen electronics workforce. Marcy LaRont: Cory, tell me about your apprenticeship pro- gram, its mission and evolution, and where you find yourselves today. Cory Blaylock: When I joined the Asso- ciation in April 2023, my goal was to C o r y B l ay l o c k Connecting Talent, Training, and Opportunity