-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueIn Pursuit of Perfection: Defect Reduction
For bare PCB board fabrication, defect reduction is a critical aspect of a company's bottom line profitability. In this issue, we examine how imaging, etching, and plating processes can provide information and insight into reducing defects and increasing yields.
Voices of the Industry
We take the pulse of the PCB industry by sharing insights from leading fabricators and suppliers in this month's issue. We've gathered their thoughts on the new U.S. administration, spending, the war in Ukraine, and their most pressing needs. It’s an eye-opening and enlightening look behind the curtain.
The Essential Guide to Surface Finishes
We go back to basics this month with a recount of a little history, and look forward to addressing the many challenges that high density, high frequency, adhesion, SI, and corrosion concerns for harsh environments bring to the fore. We compare and contrast surface finishes by type and application, take a hard look at the many iterations of gold plating, and address palladium as a surface finish.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
How IPC Assists in Helping Fund Your Apprenticeship Program
August 19, 2024 | Victoria Hawkins, IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute

Workforce development issues plague many companies in the electronics manufacturing industry. IPC has structured its teams to provide resources that directly address these issues, including formulating an apprenticeship model that has received national recognition.
However, implementing these workforce programs can require additional funding for instruction and training. As director of workforce grants and proposals, I identify and secure funding from federal, state, and local opportunities that drive IPC’s workforce development initiatives, particularly around our apprenticeship program. With nearly $100,000 of state and local funding already secured, we've been able to:
- Offset $22,000 in employer costs for upskilling employees through our apprenticeship program
- Provide $16,500 in employer incentive payments for three apprenticeships
- Offer pre-apprenticeship/CTE training at a high school in East Texas in the next academic year
- Provide mini-credentialing training to instructors at Stephen F. Austin University
- Secure up to $1,500 per graduating senior pursuing a degree and/or employment in our industry in Colorado to assist with tuition and/or registered apprenticeship costs
- Have an additional $25,000 to offset costs for employers seeking to upskill their workforce through our registered apprenticeship program
My goal is to identify and pursue funding opportunities that enable employers to effectively upskill their employees, thereby offsetting the costs associated with both formal training programs and on-the-job training initiatives. This involves leveraging various grants, tax incentives, and public-private partnerships designed to support workforce development.
To read the rest of this article, which appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of IPC Community, click here.
Suggested Items
LSI ADL Technology Leverages IPC Membership for Growth, Training, and Industry Leadership
05/28/2025 | Michelle Te, IPC CommunityWhether attending the EMS Leadership Summit at IPC APEX EXPO, or subscribing to workforce training, LSI ADL Technology has noted several positive changes directly related to its IPC membership. “Collaboration, brainstorming, and sharing best practices have been the most important aspects of our partnership with IPC,” says Jonathan Verity, assistant general manager at LSI ADL Technology.
SEMI, Purdue University Launch AI and Data Analysis Online Courses
05/22/2025 | SEMISEMI, the industry association serving the global semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, today announced it has partnered with Purdue University to launch an online course series focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis techniques for the semiconductor industry.
$1 Million Awarded to Galvanize Workforce with Electronics Education
05/05/2025 | University of ArkansasThe Arkansas Department of Higher Education awarded the University of Arkansas $1 million to expand electronics education through development of credit and non-credit courses related to workforce needs in the semiconductor industry.
IPC Excellence in Education Award: Zenaida Valianu
05/01/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Zenaida Valianu is the training manager at IPC who brings more than 25 years of expertise in standards and training development to her role. She has revolutionized IPC certification training programs by significantly enhancing their content with comprehensive curricula and engaging materials. She has also been instrumental in developing essential workforce training courses and contributing to various other initiatives.
IPC APEX EXPO 2025 Learning Lounge: Education on the Show Floor
04/16/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007The conference portion of IPC APEX EXPO has been providing educational opportunities for attendees since the first show. But recently, show managers decided to expand education onto the show floor.