Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Gold Mitigation for Class 2 Electronics
Punching Out: Your Financial Preparation for a Sale
Nolan's Notes: The Next Killer App in Component Manufacturing
Zentech First to Adopt IPC Apprenticeship National Program Standards
May 20, 2024 | Cory Blaylock, IPCEstimated 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.
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:
Suggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/09/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineTrade show season is wrapping up as we head into summer. Where has the time gone? I hope you all get the chance to take a vacation this year, because I know you’ve earned one. Speaking of which, when was my last vacay? If I can’t remember, it’s probably time for one. It’s been a busy week in electronics, with fallout from the back-and-forth on tariffs taking up most of the oxygen in the room. We have quite an assortment of articles and columns for you in this installment of Must-Reads. See you next time.
Kaynes Technology Acquires Canada-Based August Electronics
05/09/2025 | PRNewswireAugust Electronics Inc. is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Kaynes Canada Limited, a wholly owned step-down subsidiary of Kaynes Technology India Limited, a leading Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) company. The transaction is expected to close by the end of May 2025, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
Localized Automation Becomes a Tariff Storm Safe Haven, but U.S. Smart Factory Build-Out Costs Far Exceed China’s
05/09/2025 | TrendForceTrendForce’s latest “Human-Machine Technology Report” points out that although the 90-day delay on the U.S. reciprocal tariffs announced by the Trump administration in early April 2025 offers temporary relief, it has already triggered lasting shifts in global manufacturing and supply chain strategies.
Primech AI Plans Production of 300 HYTRON Robots through its China Manufacturing Expansion
05/09/2025 | Globe NewswirePrimech AI Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Primech Holdings Limited announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing capabilities through a strategic manufacturing partnership in Guangdong Province, China.
Ultrahuman Expands its American Factory’s Manufacturing Capacity
05/09/2025 | GlobeNewswireUltrahuman, a pioneer in health optimization technology, has announced that it’s ramping up its capacity of the Ring AIR. Ultrahuman’s manufacturing facility (UltraFactory) in partnership with SVtronics, a US-based electronics manufacturing business, has been operational in Plano, Texas, since November 2024.