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IPC Partners with Stephen F. Austin State University’s CARRI and the IPC Education Foundation for Workforce Development in Electronics Manufacturing
August 23, 2024 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute

IPC announces a transformative partnership with Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU)'s engineering department, the IPC Education Foundation and the Center for Applied Research and Rural Innovation (CARRI). This collaboration is set to revolutionize workforce development and education in electronics manufacturing, aligning academic programs with industry needs.
Key Objectives of the Partnership Include:
- Enhancing Educational Opportunities: SFASU's engineering curriculum will now integrate IPC's cutting-edge industry standards and certifications, providing students with the skills directly applicable to electronics.
- Fostering Industry-Academic Collaboration: Strengthening ties between academia and the electronics manufacturing industry ensures constant knowledge exchange and a curriculum that meets evolving industry demands.
- Supporting Workforce Readiness: With hands-on training and micro-credentialing opportunities, students are prepared to excel in the fast-paced world of electronics manufacturing.
- Promoting Innovation and Growth: Leveraging diverse expertise and resources, the partnership aims to nurture innovation and expand the talent pool in the electronics manufacturing industry.
Innovative Initiatives for Student Success:
- Curriculum Development: Integration of IPC certification programs into SFASU’s offerings.
- Hands-on Training Opportunities: Practical workshops and micro-credentialing enhance students’ industry readiness.
- Student Engagement and Support: IPC's Education Foundation provides scholarships, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Generous Funding and Support:
CARRI has contributed a significant grant to fund this initiative, highlighting its commitment to enhancing education in rural and regional areas.
Weller has donated advanced soldering equipment to enrich SFASU’s engineering workshops further, emphasizing practical skills essential for electronics manufacturing. Colton Clay, Associate Channel Manager, Weller Tools, commented, “Weller is proud to support Stephen F. Austin State University's engineering department by donating state-of-the-art soldering equipment. This contribution underscores our commitment to advancing education and fostering the next generation of skilled professionals in the electronics manufacturing industry.”
Impact on the Electronics Manufacturing Industry:
This partnership is poised to set a benchmark in workforce development, creating a highly skilled pool of graduates ready to tackle industry challenges and contribute to technological advancements.
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08/04/2025 | Nolan Johnson -- Column: Nolan's NotesYou may recall when I’ve discussed the research and development of a particular magazine issue topic and how, at times, I’ve pivoted at the last minute because of what I learned from the information I’ve gathered. This month, my original focus was on cultivating your brand, but the more I investigated the topic, the more my subject experts leaned toward international supply chain strategies. Not surprisingly, these two disparate topics are far more interrelated than they might seem.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
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Brent Laufenberg Appointed CIO of the Global Electronics Association, Advancing Technology and Member Services
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Considering the Future of Impending Copper Tariffs
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