Nolan’s Notes: Everyone Has Their Eye on India
Standard of Excellence: The Human Touch in an Automated World
The Government Circuit: Navigating New Trade Headwinds and New Partnerships
VIDEO: Advice From High School Students
November 8, 2023 | Barry Matties and Bryan Bernas, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 1 minute
At the annual NW Electronics Design and Manufacturing Expo (NEDME) on Oct. 18, hosted at Tektronix in Beaverton, Oregon, and sponsored by the Electronics Manufacturing Association and the Electronics Representatives Association, I met and interviewed students from one of the area’s FIRST Robotics teams.
The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics program initially caught my attention during an IPC APEX EXPO, when FIRST founder Dean Kamen gave the keynote address. Kamen founded FIRST to develop students’ interest in STEM, and since then, I have been interviewing and sharing stories of FIRST team members around the country.
At NEDME, I stopped by the exhibit for Team 2898, The Flying Hedgehogs, and learned about their mission to promote and gain support for their robotics team.
In this interview, team captain Rae Wetzel and her team member Logan King provide useful insight for anybody looking to hire the next generation. Please take a few minutes to watch this video and hear their particularly insightful advice about what skills are needed in the future workforce.
This article originally appeared in the November 2023 issue of SMT007 Magazine. This issue features several articles about attracting new, young talent to the workforce.
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
University Of Minnesota Team Claims Victory In Bright Manufacturing Challenge 2025 Round 1
08/19/2025 | EMACThe Electronics Manufacturing & Assembly Collaborative (EMAC) recently announced that Team "Rise and Grind Crew" from the University of Minnesota has emerged victorious in Round 1 of the Bright Manufacturing Challenge 2025.
Advocates for Electronics: A Government Relations Team Puts Muscle Behind Your Hustle
08/18/2025 | Michelle Te, Community MagazineWhen Steve Lechtenberg, president and partner of Mectronx in Wisconsin, needed guidance about how PFAS regulations could affect his business, he sent an email to a member of Congress representing his state. That email later resulted in a two-hour in-person meeting with Scott Rausch, one of Sen. Ron Johnson’s team members. “We discussed everything from how the Global Electronics Association helps Mectronx to how small contract manufacturers can compete in today’s global marketplace,” Steve says.
It’s Only Common Sense: Why Failure Is an Opportunity for Growth
08/18/2025 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseIt’s only common sense that failure, as painful as it may be, is one of the best teachers. Whether you’re running a business, managing a team, or navigating your personal journey, failure offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn, grow, and emerge stronger. If you’re not failing now and then, you’re likely not trying hard enough or pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Here’s why failure is not just inevitable but also invaluable, and how to use it as a steppingstone to success.
Leadership Change at Koh Young Europe
08/14/2025 | Koh YoungAfter 16 years of leading Koh Young Europe as General Manager, we would like to announce that Harald Eppinger will step down from his executive role.
The Art and Science of PCB Floor Planning: A Comprehensive Guide
08/14/2025 | Cory Grunwald and Jeff Reinhold, Monsoon SolutionsPCB design is an intricate and crucial part of developing electronic products. One of the foundational stages of PCB design is floor planning, a phase where the placement of components and the flow of signals are meticulously mapped out. A good floor plan ensures that the PCB performs well, is easy to manufacture, and meets all mechanical and electrical requirements. We’ll explore the essential aspects of floor planning, from its objectives and process to the challenges that designers face.