-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- smt007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current Issue
Wire Harness Solutions
Explore what’s shaping wire harness manufacturing, and how new solutions are helping companies streamline operations and better support EMS providers. Take a closer look at what’s driving the shift.
Spotlight on Europe
As Europe’s defense priorities grow and supply chains are reassessed, industry and policymakers are pushing to rebuild regional capability. This issue explores how Europe is reshaping its electronics ecosystem for a more resilient future.
APEX EXPO 2026 Preshow
This month, we take you inside the annual trade show of the Global Electronics Association, to preview the conferences, standards, keynotes, and other special events new to the show this year.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - smt007 Magazine
A.R.T. MD Recognized Among UK’s Top Women Business Leaders for 2025
November 24, 2025 | A.R.T. Ltd.Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Debbie McDade, Managing Director of Advanced Rework Technology Ltd (A.R.T.), has been named one of the winners in the Influential Women in Business Awards 2025, an initiative recognising leadership and achievement across UK industry.
This marks the second consecutive year Debbie has been acknowledged by the awards, which highlighted her contribution to the electronics sector and her long-standing commitment to advancing high-quality technical training.
With more than 20 years’ experience in electronics manufacturing and education, Debbie has been instrumental in strengthening professional standards and ensuring that IPC training reflects the realities of modern production environments.
Debbie said: “I’m honoured to receive this recognition, particularly in an industry where women still remain under-represented at senior and technical levels. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on strengthening the quality and consistency of electronics manufacturing by ensuring training is practical, standards-driven and relevant to modern production environments. Supporting people as they build their skills and progress in their careers has always been central to my work, and it’s rewarding to see that contribution recognised. I hope it encourages more women to consider technical roles and leadership paths within the electronics sector.”
As Managing Director of one of Europe’s longest-established independent IPC Certification Centres, Debbie oversees A.R.T.’s strategic direction while remaining directly involved in programme delivery as an IPC Master Instructor Trainer (MIT). Her work includes active participation in global standards development. She currently chairs several IPC European committees, contributes to international working groups, and has previously served as vice chair of both the IPC Technical Activities Executive Committee (TAEC) and the IPC Training Program Advisory Committee (V-TPAC).
A.R.T.’s leadership team also includes Director John Vickers, a qualified Master IPC Trainer. Together, they guide the company’s training and consultancy services for manufacturers, OEMs and service providers across the electronics supply chain, helping organisations maintain consistency, compliance and robust quality practices.
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
TTC-LLC and TTCI: Smarter Training, Stronger Test at PCB East 2026
04/27/2026 | The Test Connection Inc.The Training Connection LLC (TTC-LLC) and The Test Connection, Inc. (TTCI) will be exhibiting together at PCB East 2026, taking place April 28–May 1 at the DCU Convention Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. Attendees can find both teams at Booth #103 during the main exhibition day on Wednesday, April 29.
Building Industry-ready Talent Through Standards-based Education
04/27/2026 | Global Electronics AssociationRecently, Sichuan Modern Vocational College organized 132 students to complete IPC-A-610 Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) training and certification.
Roundtable: Data Protection Lays the Groundwork for Cybersecurity Strategies
04/27/2026 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007This multi-expert roundtable explores cybersecurity measures specific to electronics manufacturing. NEC’s Watanabe Hiroyaki, Divyash Patel, CEO of MX2 Technologies, and Ali Pabrai, CEO at EC First, join moderator Nolan Johnson for a deeper discussion on cybersecurity certifications.
Fresh PCB Concepts: Designing PCBs for Harsh Environments—Reliability Is Engineered Upstream
04/23/2026 | Team NCAB -- Column: Fresh PCB ConceptsWhen engineers hear the phrase “harsh environment,” they usually think of the extreme temperature swings, vibration and shock, pressure changes, or radiation in aerospace. However, aerospace is not the only harsh environment where electronic assemblies must survive. Automotive power electronics, downhole oil and gas tools, marine controls, rail systems, defense platforms, and industrial automation equipment all expose PCBs to environments that are equally unforgiving. The stress mechanisms may differ, but the physics does not.
The Right Approach: The End of an Era—DoD Proposes MIL-PRF-31032 Cancellation
04/21/2026 | Steve Williams -- Column: The Right ApproachThe Defense Logistics Agency has initiated formal proceedings to cancel the military's primary performance specification for printed circuit boards, a move that could reshape how the U.S. defense industrial base qualifies and sources one of its most critical electronic components. On March 4, 2026, DLA Weapons Support issued a memorandum to military and industry coordination activities announcing that MIL-PRF-31032, along with its six associated specification sheets, has been proposed for cancellation. A 30-day comment period was allotted, with concurrence or comments due by April 3, 2026.