Real Progress Toward Solving U.S. Workforce Problems
March 6, 2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamEstimated reading time: 1 minute
IPC achieved a landmark in 2023 by creating an apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. With such a registered framework in place, industry can work through IPC to secure local, state, and federal dollars for workforce development in a way they’ve never been able to do before. Cory Blaylock, director of workforce partnerships at IPC, has been instrumental in developing and moving this program toward adoption and outlines what companies need to know to get involved.
Michelle Te: IPC is not just embracing a change in the revolution of workforce development but driving it as well. What is behind IPC’s efforts?
Cory Blaylock: There has been a solution in the industry for developing talent that offers career pathways, giving employers what they want as well as catering to developing employees. IPC wants to be the one owning it because we're representing everybody in electronics manufacturing.
Apprenticeships, and workforce development, in general, are not user-friendly in their current state. There's a lot of nuance and things that people don't know or understand unless they work in it every day. They may not understand what's required for a registered apprenticeship concerning the rules and regulations of the Department of Labor. We’ve worked through all the red tape so it could be utilized without having to go through all the rigamarole.
Te: Can you define an apprenticeship?
Blaylock: An apprenticeship is an earn-while-you-learn model. Traditionally, we think of apprentices in jobs like plumbing and HVAC. IPC is joining that space to expand and diversify pathways into good jobs and careers in advanced manufacturing.
Continue reading this article in the February 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine.
Suggested Items
IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award: Pierre-Jean Albrieux
05/10/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineCongratulations to Pierre-Jean Albrieux, who received the 2024 IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award. The award is given to individuals in recognition of the highest level of achievement, extraordinary contributions, and distinguished service to IPC and toward the advancement of the industry, including helping to create a spirit of mutual esteem, respect, and recognition among members consistent with the goals and mission of IPC.
IPC Focuses on Education and Onboarding
05/09/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineI recently spoke with Carlos Plaza, senior director of education for IPC, about expanding educational efforts in the PCB design, fabrication, and assembly segments. As Carlos explains, PCB design is a hot topic, but onboarding may be the hottest one of all.
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Industry Growth, Challenges, and Technological Advancements
05/09/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOEditor Nolan Johnson and Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist, dive into key industry topics such as growth, challenges, and technological advancements. They discuss shifts in the global competitive landscape, downstream demand, customization, and how AI is enhancing human skills. The industry outlook appears promising for both the short and long term.
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: The Driving World of e-Mobility with Indium
05/08/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOIn the competitive EV market, technology plays a crucial role facing the challenges of infrastructure. As Brian O'Leary explains, Indium's e-Mobility product suite includes proven solder and thermal management products for high reliability.
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Understanding Objective Evidence in Manufacturing Processes
05/07/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOGraham Naisbitt explains the importance of objective evidence in manufacturing processes, debunking the common misconception that the ROSE test is a cleanliness test. He also discusses the introduction of Rev J, a requirement for measuring ionic contamination on circuit assemblies, and the challenges in accurately measuring contamination. Alternative methods like ion chromatography and the need for updating standards like the ROSE test are mentioned.