The November 2023 Issue of SMT007 Magazine Available
November 1, 2023 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamEstimated reading time: Less than a minute
Attracting New Talent
How do we attract new talent to our industry, fill our open positions, and preserve the deep, intuitive knowledge of our most veteran employees now on the verge of retirement? These are crucial questions indeed but where do we begin to address the problem? Are we seeking the right type of employee? Does manufacturing hold the attention and interest of the new generation, especially with competition from programming giants? Are high schools adequately addressing the interests of students who enjoy hands-on, problem-solving type of work? Are college graduates prepared for the types of job opportunities in front of them? Do future employees have the soft skills to maintain their employment?
In this issue of SMT007 Magazine, we explore these questions by talking directly to employers, educators, students, and early-career employees. Join us, as we learn what it takes to hire well in these competitive times.
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Rachael Temple - AlltematedSuggested Items
Robot Density Surges in Europe, Asia, and Americas
04/08/2026 | International Federation of RoboticsEconomies worldwide are prioritising the integration of factory robots, as automation becomes a critical tool for boosting productivity. In the global automation race, the Western European countries reached a record 267 robots per 10,000 employees in the manufacturing industry 2024 – ahead of North America with 204 units and Asia with 131 units.
Foxconn Joins Global DEI Initiative to Promote Diversified and Integrated Talent Governance
03/24/2026 | FoxconnFoxconn Technology Group has chosen to join the CommonWealth DEI initiative, hoping to exchange diverse, equal, and inclusive practical experiences with more companies through an open platform, and to promote talent sustainability from an internal governance issue of a single company to an action for common learning and dialogue across the industry.
Learning with Leo: The Cost of Training on Skills and Knowledge Development
01/07/2026 | Leo Lambert -- Column: Learning With LeoThe ability to manufacture electronic products requires specific skills and knowledge, which have traditionally been developed through on-the-job experience and training. These experiences and training programs are expensive to implement, yet they are necessary to meet customer demands and remain competitive in the marketplace. Today, manufacturers, including government contractors, rely on industrial specifications in the design, fabrication, and assembly of electronic products.
Standard of Excellence: Delivering Excellence—A Daily Goal
06/25/2025 | Anaya Vardya -- Column: Standard of ExcellenceDelivering excellence consistently across all touchpoints is essential for organizations aiming to build trust, foster customer loyalty, and maintain their brand reputation. This requires a strategic approach encompassing uniform messaging, standardized service protocols, employee training, performance monitoring, and seamless integration across platforms.
Punching Out: Characteristics of Successful Leaders in North American PCB and EMS Sectors
06/11/2025 | Tom Kastner -- Column: Punching Out!I have worked in M&A in the PCB and EMS sectors for over 20 years and have met dozens of owners in these sectors. It has not been an easy environment to survive and thrive in, yet some companies have done well. Here are some characteristics of our most successful leaders in the industry (names withheld to protect the innocent).