The Chemical Connection: Onshoring PCB Production—Daunting but Certainly Possible
It’s Only Common Sense: The Phone Is Still Mightier Than the Keyboard
IPC Partners with Stephen F. Austin State University’s CARRI and the IPC Education Foundation for Workforce Development in Electronics Manufacturing
August 23, 2024 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
IPC announces a transformative partnership with Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU)'s engineering department, the IPC Education Foundation and the Center for Applied Research and Rural Innovation (CARRI). This collaboration is set to revolutionize workforce development and education in electronics manufacturing, aligning academic programs with industry needs.
Key Objectives of the Partnership Include:
- Enhancing Educational Opportunities: SFASU's engineering curriculum will now integrate IPC's cutting-edge industry standards and certifications, providing students with the skills directly applicable to electronics.
- Fostering Industry-Academic Collaboration: Strengthening ties between academia and the electronics manufacturing industry ensures constant knowledge exchange and a curriculum that meets evolving industry demands.
- Supporting Workforce Readiness: With hands-on training and micro-credentialing opportunities, students are prepared to excel in the fast-paced world of electronics manufacturing.
- Promoting Innovation and Growth: Leveraging diverse expertise and resources, the partnership aims to nurture innovation and expand the talent pool in the electronics manufacturing industry.
Innovative Initiatives for Student Success:
- Curriculum Development: Integration of IPC certification programs into SFASU’s offerings.
- Hands-on Training Opportunities: Practical workshops and micro-credentialing enhance students’ industry readiness.
- Student Engagement and Support: IPC's Education Foundation provides scholarships, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Generous Funding and Support:
CARRI has contributed a significant grant to fund this initiative, highlighting its commitment to enhancing education in rural and regional areas.
Weller has donated advanced soldering equipment to enrich SFASU’s engineering workshops further, emphasizing practical skills essential for electronics manufacturing. Colton Clay, Associate Channel Manager, Weller Tools, commented, “Weller is proud to support Stephen F. Austin State University's engineering department by donating state-of-the-art soldering equipment. This contribution underscores our commitment to advancing education and fostering the next generation of skilled professionals in the electronics manufacturing industry.”
Impact on the Electronics Manufacturing Industry:
This partnership is poised to set a benchmark in workforce development, creating a highly skilled pool of graduates ready to tackle industry challenges and contribute to technological advancements.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Our marketing partnership with I-Connect007 is already delivering. Just a day after our press release went live, we received a direct inquiry about our updated products!"
Rachael Temple - AlltematedSuggested Items
Simplifying Software Integration for Every Factory
10/22/2025 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineAs a leading provider of factory digitalization solutions for electronics manufacturers, Cogiscan is at the heart of the software integration process. Davina McDonnell, director of marketing and product management, discusses how Cogiscan ensures that customers are ready to integrate and what it looks for to ensure a quick and appropriate installation.
MES Software Tools Need Thoughtful Integration
10/21/2025 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineThe Global Electronics Association recently published a survey report on the state of EMS production software. This project, led by Thiago Guimaraes, director of industry intelligence, connects the dots across the global electronics value chain to uncover practical insights that individual companies might not have seen on their own. In this interview, Thiago discusses the whys and hows of this report.
SEMICON West: The Path to a $1 Trillion Future
10/14/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007After more than 50 years in San Francisco, SEMICON West moved its 2025 show to Phoenix, which is significant because it highlights the importance of Arizona as a semiconductor and tech hub. Though the show will be back in San Francisco in 2026, the overwhelmingly warm welcome SEMI received from Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, and ASU President Michael Crowe—who has been responsible for ASU repeatedly achieving the U.S. News and World Reports most innovative university ranking—was remarked upon repeatedly. All indications are that SEMICON West may well be back in Phoenix after that 2026 season.
Technica USA Named Exclusive U.S. Distributor for DCT Cleaning Products
10/14/2025 | Technica USATechnica USA is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with DCT USA, LLC, becoming the exclusive master distributor of DCT cleaning products in the United States, effective November 1, 2025.
Is Glass Finally Coming of Age?
10/13/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Substrates, by definition, form the base of all electronic devices. Whether discussing silicon wafers for semiconductors, glass-and-epoxy materials in printed circuits, or the base of choice for interposers, all these materials function as substrates. While other substrates have come and gone, silicon and FR-4 have remained the de facto standards for the industry.