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In this month’s issue of PCB007 Magazine we reimagine the possibilities featuring stories all about IPC APEX EXPO 2025—covering what to look forward to, and what you don’t want to miss.
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We take a hard look at fueling the workforce pipeline, specifically at the early introduction of manufacturing concepts and business to young people in this issue of PCB007 Magazine.
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In this issue, we examine the critical nature of building precisions into your inner layers and assessing their pass/fail status as early as possible. Whether it’s using automation to cut down on handling issues, identifying defects earlier, or replacing an old line...
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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.
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European Chip Giants NXP, STMicroelectronics Prepare for Layoffs
02/06/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamWhile companies like NVIDIA dominate the headlines with announcements of record chip sales associated with AI, European chip makers that are more dependent on industrial and automotive electronics are under pressure as demands for their chips slow. NXP, headquartered in the Netherlands, recently announced disappointing financials, down 5% from the previous year, primarily due to softening demand in those markets.