-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- smt007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueComing to Terms With AI
In this issue, we examine the profound effect artificial intelligence and machine learning are having on manufacturing and business processes. We follow technology, innovation, and money as automation becomes the new key indicator of growth in our industry.
Box Build
One trend is to add box build and final assembly to your product offering. In this issue, we explore the opportunities and risks of adding system assembly to your service portfolio.
IPC APEX EXPO 2024 Pre-show
This month’s issue devotes its pages to a comprehensive preview of the IPC APEX EXPO 2024 event. Whether your role is technical or business, if you're new-to-the-industry or seasoned veteran, you'll find value throughout this program.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - smt007 Magazine
IPC Publishes Comprehensive Strategy to Address Electronics Industry’s Global Workforce Challenge
April 10, 2024 | IPCEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
One of the most difficult and urgent challenges facing the electronics industry is a chronic shortage of adequately skilled workers. Today, IPC unveiled an expansion of its strategy to address the workforce challenges of the U.S. electronics manufacturing industry and called on its more than 3,000 member companies to join in the effort.
IPC sets out a solutions-focused workforce plan in a white paper written by David Hernandez, IPC vice president of education, Carlos Plaza, IPC senior director of education and Dr. John W. Mitchell, IPC president and CEO. The paper, “Building Electronics Better: A Plan to Address the Workforce Challenges Facing the Electronics Manufacturing Industry,” targets both immediate labor market needs and the long-term sustainability and growth of the industry by building a skilled, adaptable, and motivated workforce. IPC’s ambitious approach is focused on developing rewarding career pathways.
“IPC is the largest provider of education and workforce development in our industry,” said John W. Mitchell. “We credential more than 145,000 people per year, and we recently secured federal recognition for three registered apprenticeship programs. But we can’t do it alone – we’re calling on our partners in industry, academia, and government to join us on this critically important journey.”
“Significant challenges, including the lack of a well-defined school-to-industry pipeline, have contributed to industry workforce shortages that constrain the industry's growth and lead to increased production costs,” said David Hernandez. “IPC is delivering a multifaceted approach to recruitment and training. This is essential if we are to turn current socioeconomic, demographic, and cultural trends into opportunities for growth.”
According to the white paper, rising demand for electronic devices across the commercial, healthcare, automotive, and industrial sectors will see the global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) market grow from about $534 billion in 2023 to $856 billion in 2030. Key elements of IPC’s plan include:
- Talent Pipeline: Establishing partnerships between educational institutions, businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to ensure a steady flow of skilled workers into the electronics manufacturing industry.
- Career Pathways: Developing clear and structured career pathways that outline progression from entry-level positions to advanced roles, enhancing the visibility of career advancement opportunities within the industry.
- Training and Education: Prioritizing the development of industry-defined training programs that equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge, including both technical and soft skills.
- Dispelling Myths: Launching outreach efforts to improve the perception of manufacturing careers, highlighting the innovative aspects of the industry, and addressing misconceptions about manufacturing jobs.
- Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between government, academia, and industry to speed the transition of students and trainees into the workforce, including internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs.
- Standardized Credentials: Supporting the adoption of universally recognized, stackable credentials that validate the competencies and skills of qualified job candidates.
The electronics industry is gathering this week at IPC APEX EXPO 2024. Held in Anaheim from April 6–11, IPC APEX EXPO features a world-class trade show, a cutting-edge technical conference, and impactful keynote speakers. This year’s event boasts the largest gathering of leading electronics manufacturers, suppliers, and product innovators, a high-quality technical conference with peer-reviewed paper presentations, and professional development courses focused on innovation to build electronics better.
Suggested Items
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Insulectro on Attracting Young Talent to the Electronics Manufacturing Industry
05/16/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOInsulectro's Doug Gotelli and Mitchell Benson explore the challenges of drawing young talent into the electronics manufacturing industry. They underscore the significance of manufacturing and the urgency of tackling the workforce shortage. They also discuss internship programs, the industry's resilience amid the pandemic, and the rewarding experiences of working in this sector.
European Chips Skills Academy Launches Summer School in Italy to Promote Microelectronics Industry Careers
05/16/2024 | SEMIUniversity students will connect with professors to explore semiconductor learning paths and employment opportunities at the European Chip Skills Academy Summer School, August 18-23, 2024 in Bologna, Italy.
SEMICON West 2024 to Spotlight U.S. Chip Industry Investments, Supply Chain Resilience, Talent, and Global Growth and Innovation
05/15/2024 | SEMISEMICON West 2024 will gather industry experts and leaders July 9-11 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco for insights into the latest trends and innovations in sustainability, supply chain management, workforce development and other critical industry issues.
A Potpourri of Design PD Classes
05/14/2024 | Kelly Dack, I-Connect007What is invention without innovation? What is innovation without capability? Kelly Dack addresses these questions and more in this review of the Professional Development courses at IPC APEX EXPO, including the flex course lead by "Flexperts" Mark Finstad and Nick Koop.
Viscom’s Approach to Inline X-Ray
05/14/2024 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007In this interview, Viscom President Ed Moll and CEO Jesper Lykke discuss the importance of inline X-rays for real-time data and board inspection. They also discuss AI integration, customer inquiries, and ROI considerations. Also, as Ed moves into semi-retirement, he reflects on his long career, recent developments, and the evolving X-ray industry. He shares his insights on career opportunities for emerging engineers in the industry.