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SMTA Receives Webinar Archive Donation from Bob Willis
May 26, 2023 | SMTAEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
The Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) is thrilled to announce the generous donation of a series of webinars, photo libraries, and poster sets from renowned industry expert, Bob Willis. These resources cover various aspects of the electronics manufacturing industry, offering practical guidance, troubleshooting techniques, and best practices. This valuable content will be made available by SMTA in the coming months, providing insights and resources for professionals in the field.
“I am very grateful that my technical resources will now be widely available FREE to industry,” said Bob Willis. “SMTA and others originally sold my training products online. Now with the charitable support of HumiSeal they will be available free to download worldwide. I had the pleasure of working with Charles Hutchins and hope to continue raising money for the SMTA Hutchins Grant as well as Prostate Cancer UK with my new book.”
"We are immensely thankful to Bob Willis for his remarkable contribution to the SMTA community," said Tanya Martin, Executive Director of SMTA. "His expertise and dedication to the field have made a significant impact on the industry, and we are excited to share these valuable resources with our members and professionals worldwide."
To ensure the widespread dissemination of these resources, the content has been made exclusively available through the sponsorship of HumiSeal Europe Ltd, a leading provider of conformal coatings. Their support has enabled SMTA to make these webinars, photo libraries, and poster sets accessible to a broader audience within the industry.
As part of this collaboration, HumiSeal Europe Ltd has generously sponsored £5000 towards this initiative. The proceeds from this sponsorship will be split between two worthy causes - the Charles Hutchins Educational Grant and Prostate Cancer UK. This joint effort between SMTA and HumiSeal Europe Ltd aims to not only advance professional development within the industry but also contribute to the betterment of society.
"We are proud to partner with the Surface Mount Technology Association to support the dissemination of these valuable resources," said David Greenman, Director at HumiSeal Europe Ltd. "By sponsoring this initiative, we are investing in the professional growth of individuals within the industry and supporting important causes that are close to our hearts."
The Charles Hutchins Educational Grant, established in honor of the late Charles Hutchins, a prominent figure in the surface mount technology community, provides educational scholarships and financial assistance to deserving students working on thesis research in electronics manufacturing, electronics packaging, or a related field. Prostate Cancer UK is a leading charity dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, and providing support to those affected by prostate cancer.
The SMTA and HumiSeal Europe Ltd encourage professionals in the surface mount technology industry to take advantage of these valuable resources and contribute to the support of the Charles Hutchins Education Grant and Prostate Cancer UK.
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