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Real Progress Toward Solving U.S. Workforce Problems
March 6, 2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamEstimated reading time: 1 minute

IPC achieved a landmark in 2023 by creating an apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. With such a registered framework in place, industry can work through IPC to secure local, state, and federal dollars for workforce development in a way they’ve never been able to do before. Cory Blaylock, director of workforce partnerships at IPC, has been instrumental in developing and moving this program toward adoption and outlines what companies need to know to get involved.
Michelle Te: IPC is not just embracing a change in the revolution of workforce development but driving it as well. What is behind IPC’s efforts?
Cory Blaylock: There has been a solution in the industry for developing talent that offers career pathways, giving employers what they want as well as catering to developing employees. IPC wants to be the one owning it because we're representing everybody in electronics manufacturing.
Apprenticeships, and workforce development, in general, are not user-friendly in their current state. There's a lot of nuance and things that people don't know or understand unless they work in it every day. They may not understand what's required for a registered apprenticeship concerning the rules and regulations of the Department of Labor. We’ve worked through all the red tape so it could be utilized without having to go through all the rigamarole.
Te: Can you define an apprenticeship?
Blaylock: An apprenticeship is an earn-while-you-learn model. Traditionally, we think of apprentices in jobs like plumbing and HVAC. IPC is joining that space to expand and diversify pathways into good jobs and careers in advanced manufacturing.
Continue reading this article in the February 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine.
Suggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
06/20/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007It’s been a busy week in this industry, and we have news and articles from the PCB design, fabrication and assembly communities. Some of this news is out of this world. We may be losing the high ground—the really high ground. Columnist Jesse Vaughan explains how the U.S. seems to be falling behind in space, and how this could affect our ability to defend ourselves in the future. We have an update on the U.S.-China tariff talks, which seem to be moving forward, though sometimes at a snail’s pace.
New IPC VP Joe Schneider Building Stronger Focus on U.S., Canada
06/19/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007IPC has hired Joe Schneider as a vice president to strengthen its regional focus and address the specific needs in the U.S. and Canada. Joe brings a rich background in OEM and contract manufacturing, including with industry giants like Siemens and Abbott Laboratories. In this interview, he shares his vision for the region, which emphasizes workforce development and supply chain challenges.
IPC Update on the Latest U.S.– China Trade Announcement
06/18/2025 | IPCOn June 12, the Trump Administration announced an agreement to implement the framework of the trade deal with China reached earlier in May. Reports indicate the following high-level terms: A 55% combined tariff on imports from China, 10% “reciprocal” tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 20% IEEPA-based fentanyl tariffs, and Existing Section 301 tariffs, which in many cases are 25%.
STI Celebrates Travis Wease’s 10 Years of Dedicated Service
06/17/2025 | STI Electronics, Inc.STI Electronics, Inc., a full-service organization providing training services, training materials, analytical/failure analysis, prototyping, and contract electronic manufacturing, proudly celebrated the 10-year work anniversary of Travis Wease, Master Instructor and valued team member.
A.R.T. Ltd. Supports Release of IPC-A-600M
06/17/2025 | A.R.T. Ltd.Advanced Rework Technology Ltd. (A.R.T. Ltd.), a leading provider of IPC-certified training and IPC authorised distributor, announces the release and availability of IPC-A-600M, the latest revision of the industry’s definitive standard for printed board acceptability.