Fresh PCB Concepts: Key Considerations for Reliability, Performance, and Compliance in PCBs
Elementary Mr. Watson: Navigating RF—A Glide Path Approach to Design Success
Designers Notebook: Layer Stackup Planning for RF Circuit Boards
The IPC STEM Event Inspires
March 1, 2022 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Once again, IPC APEX EXPO featured its successful STEM event, organized by the IPC Education Foundation, and sponsored by several companies, including I-Connect007. The event had nearly 80 students in person for a hands-on introduction to our industry. After the welcoming comments, the students broke into groups for different activities. While some enjoyed a guided tour of the show floor, upstairs the other students learned how to solder. Then they rotated so that they all had the same opportunities.
These students, many of whom were having their first exposure to the world of electronics, kept focused on the task in front of them—solder a small circuit board that would make a connection for two LEDs to illuminate on the opposite side of the board.
Students sat four to a table, a hot soldering iron next to them, a paper full of instructions, and a chance for some true hands-on learning. As the students worked, volunteer IPC committee members and Emerging Engineers roamed around, helping students where needed and remembering back to their own first experiences in the industry.
Of course, when you set several people at table to complete the task it can quickly turn into a fun competition. We caught up with two students who did just that. (See the video below)
Though this a STEM introduction event, we learned that several of the students we talked to had little intention of pursuing a career in electronics, nonetheless the exposure to the industry demonstrated that possible careers are much larger than they may have imagined before attending the IPC APEX EXPO event.
When asked about their career paths, here are some of their responses:
- I want to be film director
- I’m looking for nursing
- Marine biology
- A career in the film industry
- Probably a STEM field
- Owning a business, having my own business
- I don’t know, but something in the music industry hopefully
- Apprenticeship, electrician
During the event we also interviewed one of the teachers, Melissa Woods, who brought her students to this event and past events. She expressed her desire to continue bringing students to the event because it broadens their horizons and demonstrates new opportunities. Her interview follows.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2022 Show & Tell Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
KOKI Expands U.S. Sales Coverage with Multiple New Representatives
04/29/2025 | KOKIKOKI, a global leader in advanced soldering materials and process optimization services, is pleased to announce the expansion of its U.S. sales network with the addition of three new manufacturers’ representative firms: Assembled Product Specialists, Diversitech Reps Inc., and Eagle Electronics.
INEMI Call-for-Participation Webinar: BiSn-Based Low-Temperature Soldering Process and Reliability Project Phase 3b
04/28/2025 | iNEMIIn 2015, INEMI initiated the BiSn-Based Low-Temperature Soldering Process and Reliability Project to assess the feasibility of using low-temperature solders (LTS) in the SnBi system to address various technological, economic and ecological drivers for assembly of consumer computer electronic board products.
KYZEN to Feature Stencil Cleaning and Aqueous Cleaners at SMTA Capital Expo and Tech Form
04/28/2025 | KYZEN'KYZEN, the global leader in innovative environmentally responsible cleaning chemistries, will exhibit at the SMTA Capital Expo and Tech Forum, scheduled to take place Thursday, May 8 at George Mason University – Mason Square in Arlington, VA.
KYZEN Focuses on Aqueous Cleaning and Stencil Cleaning at SMTA Wisconsin
04/24/2025 | KYZEN'KYZEN, the global leader in innovative environmentally responsible cleaning chemistries, will exhibit at the SMTA Wisconsin Expo and Tech Forum, scheduled to take place Tuesday, May 6 at the Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport. KYZEN will be on-site to provide attendees with information about aqueous cleaning chemistry AQUANOX A4618 and stencil cleaner KYZEN E5631J.
SMTA Bridging the Skills Gap in Arizona
04/24/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007One area where SMTA really excels is through its local chapters. On April 16, 2025, I-Connect007's Marcy LaRont attended the Workforce Breakfast during the SMTA Arizona Expo & Tech Forum in Mesa, which featured more than 50 electronics professionals from the local area, including defense OEMs, and others who were attending for the first time. Blackfox and Hyrel Technologies sponsored the event. The keynote presentation featured Sean Denny, a professor at Estrella Mountain Community College, who emphasized a clear need for skilled hand soldering technicians.