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From the drilled hole to registration across multiple sequential lamination cycles, to the quality of your copper plating, via reliability in an HDI world is becoming an ever-greater challenge. This month we look at “The Hole Truth,” from creating the “perfect” via to how you can assure via quality and reliability, the first time, every time.
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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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Confronting the Challenges of an Aging Workforce
07/15/2025 | Becky Calwell and Myriam Sullivan, Jobs for the FutureElectronics manufacturers have faced persistent workforce challenges as they struggle to find skilled workers to meet rising production demands, while rapid advancements in technology raise the bar for technical expertise. These ongoing issues highlight the need for innovative workforce strategies to address talent shortages and adapt to the industry’s evolving demands.
The Knowledge Base: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow With EMAC
06/24/2025 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseAs the electronics manufacturing industry races to meet rising global demand and technological complexity, the need for a highly skilled, future-ready workforce has never been greater. At the forefront of addressing this challenge is The Electronics Manufacturing & Assembly Collaborative (EMAC)—a national initiative dedicated to strengthening the talent pipeline through strategic collaboration with SMTA, education, and government stakeholders.
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
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$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.