IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1543955
MARCH 2026 I I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE 21 Well-being and work-life balance A healthy and balanced engineer is a productive engineer. Support their well-being through flexible work arrangements, access to resources, and a supportive work environment that acknowledges the intense focus required in PCB design. The Synergistic Advantage in Electronics Development Ultimately, the most successful electronics devel- opment organizations understand that it's not an either/or proposition. It's an opportunity to create a powerful synergy among cutting-edge EDA tools, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and excep- tionally skilled printed circuit engineers. By shifting our focus from merely acquiring the latest software A Faster Path to Funded Workforce Training in California California's workforce demands are evolving rapidly, and so are the tools available to help employers keep pace. The California Employment Training Panel (ETP) remains one of the state's most effective yet often underutilized funding mechanisms for employee upskilling. It is designed to strengthen California's competi- tiveness, and ETP reimburses eligible employers for the cost of job-related training that enhances worker productivity, retention, and advancement. Building on this opportunity, the Global Elec- tronics Association was recently awarded a Mul- tiple Employer Contract (MEC) with ETP, creat- ing a streamlined pathway for California-based electronics manufacturing employers to access training funds with significantly reduced adminis- trative burden. Through our MEC, employers can leverage the Association's industry-recognized training and certification preparatory programs while having a portion or most of their training costs covered or offset by ETP funding. For em- ployers facing tight margins, rapid technological BY V I CTO R I A H AW K I N S, G LO BA L E L ECT RO N I C S AS S O C I AT I O N change, and ongoing talent shortages, this sup- port can translate into meaningful savings and faster workforce readiness. To help employers take full advantage of this opportunity, the Association hosted an in-person ETP information and onboarding session at APEX EXPO on March 16. This session was designed specifically for California electronics manufactur- ers who want practical, actionable guidance, not just theory. We demonstrated how the ETP pro- gram works, eligibility requirements, real-world training use cases, and, most importantly, began the onboarding process onsite. For California employers looking to invest in their workforce while controlling costs, the combi- nation of ETP funding, MEC, and onsite onboard- ing at APEX EXPO represents a timely and pow- erful opportunity to turn workforce training into a competitive advantage. Victoria Hawkins is director of workforce grants and funding for the Global Electronics Association. licenses or fabrication equipment to nurturing the human capital that drives their effective use, we unlock a far greater potential for success. Investing in printed circuit engineers is a strategic imperative for any organization aiming to gain a competitive advantage, or better yet, to lead the future of elec- tronics. I-CONNECT007 Stephen V. Chavez is chair of PCEA, a senior manager at Siemens EDA, and a PCB design instructor.