Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Precision Milling of Underfilled Surface-mount Components
Learning with Leo: Drones—Meeting Demand Without Compromise
Nolan’s Notes: Our Spotlight on North America
Zentech First to Adopt IPC Apprenticeship National Program Standards
May 20, 2024 | Cory Blaylock, IPCEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
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.
The response from industry has been enthusiastic. Zentech Manufacturing, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, with production facilities in Bloomington, Illinois, and Richardson, Texas, is the first employer partner to adopt IPC’s national program. IPC is working with Zentech to secure grant funding that will help offset the costs incurred with training. Stephanie Austin, marketing director, helps explain Zentech’s excitement for jumping on board so quickly.
What motivated Zentech to become an early adopter?
Stephanie Austin: We recognize what has been talked about for years: Our workforce is aging, and many Millennials and Gen-Zers don’t know the benefits of a career in manufacturing. We also know that these generations approach the market differently than their predecessors, so it was important that we alter our approach to attract a new generation of workers.
Raising awareness about careers in manufacturing has been a focus on our blog, “Manufacturing Careers on the Factory Floor,” where Zentech employees tell their success stories and why they love their jobs in manufacturing. We also recently published an article on our blog and IPC’s blog titled, “Manufacturing a Creative Workforce Development Strategy.” It discusses our ideas for a different approach to finding talent.
Zentech is a leader in many areas. The apprenticeship program seemed like the next logical step for us in demonstrating what we believe: to be ambassadors of our company and the industry and lead by example.
Read more about the company's experience with apprentices in the Spring 2024 issue of IPC Community.
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
Absolute EMS Expands Support for LEO, MEO, and GEO Satellite Programs
05/13/2026 | Absolute EMS, Inc.Absolute EMS, Inc., a Silicon Valley–based provider of high-technology electronics manufacturing services, continues to grow its presence in the satellite sector, supporting programs across low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary orbit (GEO) with advanced PCBA manufacturing, test, and sub-assembly capabilities.
Road to Reliability: Engineering High Uptime EV Charging Infrastructure
05/13/2026 | Stanton Rak, SF Rak CompanyThe transition to EVs is no longer constrained solely by vehicle capability. Instead, it is increasingly defined by a simpler, but more unforgiving question: Will the charger work when I arrive? This high uptime does not happen by accident. As EV technology has matured, limitations in battery range, power electronics, and thermal management are no longer the primary barriers to adoption.
Intel Foundry Push Gains Momentum With Apple as Potential Customer
05/13/2026 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamApple’s reported decision to tap Intel as a manufacturing partner for future chips could mark one of the most significant shifts in the semiconductor supply chain in years, with implications that extend well beyond consumer electronics.
Scanfil Signs Agreement with Leading Industrial Automation Company
05/13/2026 | ScanfilScanfil has signed an agreement with a leading industrial automation company, part of a global technology group, strengthening its position in demanding industrial automation and electronics manufacturing applications.
Medical Device Contract Manufacturing Market to Reach $171B by 2031, Says Mordor Intelligence
05/13/2026 | PRNewswireAccording to Mordor Intelligence, the medical device contract manufacturing market size is projected to grow from USD 105.53 billion in 2026 to USD 171.03 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 10.14% during the forecast period (2026–2031).