-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- smt007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueCounterfeit Concerns
The distribution of counterfeit parts has become much more sophisticated in the past decade, and there's no reason to believe that trend is going to be stopping any time soon. What might crop up in the near future?
Solder Printing
In this issue, we turn a discerning eye to solder paste printing. As apertures shrink, and the requirement for multiple thicknesses of paste on the same board becomes more commonplace, consistently and accurately applying paste becomes ever more challenging.
A Culture of Thriving
One cannot simply command thriving; it must be nurtured, developed, and encouraged. In this issue, we explore strategies to improve your working relationship model—both internally and externally. In this culture of thriving, your business will grow in the process.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - smt007 Magazine
IPC Education Foundation: STEM and Online Learning Resources
April 9, 2020 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Nolan Johnson recently caught up with Charlene Gunter du Plessis, senior director of the IPC Education Foundation, about how the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting the IPCEF, including how they are continuing to connect with IPC Student Chapter members and seek industry support. Charlene also discussed the increased usage of IPCEF’s online educational modules and shares STEM resources.
Nolan Johnson: Charlene, have the government-issued virus containment orders caused you to change the way you do things?
Charlene Gunter du Plessis: One of our main goals is to bring students and electronics industry professionals together. In the past, that has meant in-person visits, which will need to change in the near future. It has significantly impacted our student chapter members networking with IPC members and essentially halted chapter meetings. We had planned hands-on activities at Vex, FIRST, and SkillsUSA, but all of those events have been canceled or postponed. Right now, we’re focusing on ways to share the knowledge and experience of the industry through online channels.
Overall, our greatest concern has to be the health and welfare of our colleagues and students. We are concerned about how long this will go on, and I think everyone shares that concern. People are resilient, and when a challenge like this happens, we will find creative ways to get things done. We may see some game-changing outcomes because we have to think about things a little differently.
Johnson: What message are you sending to IPC Student Chapter members?
Gunter du Plessis: We’re sharing our existing online content with our IPC Student Chapter members, and we have seen an uptick in usage. These educational modules cover important industry-related topics on hand soldering, mechanical assembly, wire harness assembly methods, component identification, component color codes and terminology training, and surface-mount joint quality standards, as well as an overview of electronics assembly.
Johnson: Do you know of any STEM-related or skills-building educational resources?
Gunter du Plessis: LinkedIn Learning has been a great educational tool. Other resources are available at udacity.com, udemy.com, and mooc-list.com, and IPC offers online courses for professionals here.
Besides the educational modules we have available to IPC Students Chapter members, we also provide them access to a list of STEM resources (A–Z) that connects them with valuable content for referencing or enhanced learning purposes. We also have some new resources we’ve been developing that we’ll be able to share soon.
Johnson: Is there anything else you would like to share with the industry?
Gunter du Plessis: We want to accomplish so many things, but we rely on industry support. The industry is working through this crisis like everyone else. We’ve all be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, but the IPCEF remains true to our mission of sharing the great opportunities in electronics manufacturing with the emerging workforce. We’ll do that virtually for now, and when it’s appropriate, we’ll host hands-on events to connect students and industry professionals.
Johnson: Charlene, thank you very much for your time and for sharing those resources. I’m sure our readers will appreciate it.
Gunter du Plessis: Thanks for the opportunity, Nolan.
Charlene Gunter du Plessis is the senior director of the IPC Education Foundation.
Suggested Items
CIMS to Showcase Advanced Solutions at TPCA 2024
10/17/2024 | CIMSCIMS, a leading provider of inspection solutions for the electronics manufacturing industry, will be exhibiting at the Taiwan Printed Circuit Association (TPCA) 2024 exhibition in Taipei from October 23-25.
Vitronics Soltec Unveils Advanced Heavy Board Options for Reflow Soldering System
10/15/2024 | Vitronics SoltecVitronics Soltec, a leader in reflow soldering technology, announces the launch of new Heavy Board options for its industry-leading Centurion 1240 reflow soldering system.
The Government Circuit: Support for Defense Spending Takes Top Priority
10/15/2024 | Chris Mitchell -- Column: The Government CircuitFor those of us living in the world of politics and policy, the final few weeks before a major election are a little nerve-wracking. Who is going to win? How might the candidates’ campaign promises affect our industry and our strategies over the next few years? One thing I do know: No matter who wins the White House and control of Congress on Nov. 5, IPC will continue working with members of both major parties to advance policies that boost innovation, investment, and growth and ensure the electronics manufacturing industry’s long-term success. We must.
SEMICON Europa 2024 to Explore Innovations in Advanced Packaging and Fab Management for a Sustainable Future
10/15/2024 | SEMISemiconductor industry experts will convene at SEMICON Europa 2024, November 12-15 at Messe München in Munich, to explore the latest trends and innovations in advanced packaging and fab management.
Thinking Out of the Box: Pacific Northwest EMS Manufacturer Employs Successful Strategies With IPC
10/15/2024 | Michelle Te, IPC CommunityAllison and Chad Budvarson started Out of the Box Manufacturing, an EMS company in Renton, Washington, just one month after they were married in 2008. To stay competitive, they’ve utilized IPC’s workforce subscription and apprenticeship programs to train and maintain their staff. "Our relationship with IPC has evolved over the past several years," Allison says. "Initially, we saw IPC for its standards. But when I started attending the EMS Leadership Summit at APEX EXPO, I realized there was so much more to IPC, which opened more doors for us, creating growth and partnership opportunities I didn't realize were possible. For one, I like having frank conversations with EMS owners from other areas of the country, and I’m not worried they will steal my 'secret sauce.'"