Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Foundations of the Future: Increased Impact With Student Engagement

As the IPC Education Foundation reflects on hosting its largest IPC APEX EXPO STEM Outreach Event this past January, we realize that the activities we planned for the more than 550 students who attended allowed them to engage and connect with real industry representatives, as well as hear and learn about the unique career journeys of industry.

What were the results of these efforts? From our surveys, we learned:

• 71% of student attendees will definitely consider entering the industry
• 81% of the students indicate they are interested in engineering careers
• 10% will likely pursue a career as a technician or at the operator level

These numbers are very encouraging. The Foundation encourages potential talent and interested jobseekers—predominantly students—to consider a career in the electronics manufacturing industry. The three pillars driving all strategic initiatives are centered around awareness, engagement, and connection.

Because of its interactive nature, engagement is an important career driver that takes on various forms. We are sharing just two examples.

During the STEM Outreach Event, the students engaged with dozens of professionals during the breakout tracks. The tracks included the soldering activity, show floor tour, design experience, career panel, and roundtable career discussions.

A relatively new way we are creating awareness is through careersinelectronics.com, a valuable resource for learning more about careers the industry offers. This website is designed for anyone interested in exploring the job responsibilities, education needed, and pay structure for all types of careers in electronics and electronics manufacturing.

IPC Student Chapter Program
The IPC Education Foundation is proud of its IPC Student Chapter Program, which started in 2019 at Auburn University and has expanded to more than 50 schools. Our goal is to enhance collaboration among students at their university or college. The chapters are student driven, which provides an opportunity for them to develop their leadership, professional, and personal skills. For only a $40 membership fee, students realize several benefits of joining a student chapter, including scholarships and awards, select sets of industry courses, access to IPC standards, and regular connections with industry.

We are currently exploring additional ways for students to participate in similar programs to ensure we support the workforce challenges the industry is facing. Through these efforts we aim to expand engagement across a wider student population to attract more talent. There are various ways in which IPC Student Members benefit from being part of the current IPC Student Chapters program. Click here to hear directly from three student leaders on their activities at their respective schools.

Charlene Gunter du Plessis is the senior director of the IPC Education Foundation.