Defense Speak Interpreted: Update on the Continuing Resolution and Budget Process for Defense
American Made Advocacy: Reshoring—About Trust, Not Just Geography
Beyond the Board: The Future of Innovation—Why the Electronics Industry Needs You
How to Discover and Equip the Next Generation of Talent
February 18, 2025 | Stephen V. Chavez, Siemens EDAEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The demand for skilled PCB designers is at an all-time high, with one-third of engineering jobs in the United States going unfilled. Addressing this talent gap involves solving two interconnected challenges: discovering where to find the next generation of PCB designers and equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving field. These two efforts are fundamentally linked and require a strategic approach that bridges education, mentorship, and innovation.
Where Will We Find the PCB Designers of the Future?
· High school outreach and engagement: One promising avenue is early exposure. High schools can be fertile ground for identifying and cultivating young talent, especially if we make PCB design accessible and relatable. Framing design as a creative, problem-solving discipline that is not unlike the strategies and skills used in video games can capture students’ imaginations. Interactive workshops, hackathons, and design competitions tailored to younger generations could demystify the field and demonstrate its relevance to everyday life and its potential as a very fruitful career choice. A good example of fostering the new generations is the national program such as FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a global nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (grades preK-12).
· Apprenticeships and internships: Apprenticeships provide a hands-on approach to learning that complements theoretical education. By partnering with local businesses, trade schools, and colleges, companies can offer real-world experience to young people. This model not only fills immediate staffing needs but also nurtures long-term talent pipelines.
To continue reading this article, which originally appeared in the February 2025 Design007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
AdvancedPCB Appoints Gary Stoffer as Chief Commercial Officer
04/18/2025 | PRNewswireAdvancedPCB is proud to announce the appointment of Gary Stoffer as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). In this role, Stoffer will lead all sales, marketing, and commercial strategy initiatives as the company continues its mission to deliver cutting-edge PCB solutions to industries worldwide.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Aster–Enhancing Design for Effective Testing Strategies
04/18/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOWill Webb, technical director at Aster, stresses the importance of testability in design, emphasizing early engagement to identify testing issues. This discussion covers the integration of testing with Industry 4.0, the need for good test coverage, and adherence to industry standards. Innovations like boundary scan testing and new tools for cluster testing are introduced, highlighting advancements in optimizing testing workflows and collaboration with other tools.
IPC Strengthens Electronics Industry Awareness with Appointment of Carrie Sessine as Global Communications Vice President
04/16/2025 | IPCIPC, the global electronics association, announces the strategic appointment of Carrie Sessine as vice president of global communications. This newly created executive position underscores the association’s commitment to championing the electronics industry's critical contributions to global innovation and economic growth.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Emerging Trends in Design and Technology
04/16/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOAndy Shaughnessy speaks with IPC design instructor Kris Moyer to discuss emerging design trends. They cover UHDI technology, 3D printing, and optical data transmission, emphasizing the importance of a skilled workforce. The role of AI in design is highlighted, along with the need for understanding physics and mechanics as designs become more complex. The conversation concludes with a focus on enhancing math skills for better signal integrity.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: EPOCH Expands With Automation
04/17/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOWith a 35-year history, EPOCH is expanding its operations in Bangalore, India, focusing on automation and customer collaboration. Phil Marcoux leads a task force for AI in PCB design, working with various companies to enhance collaboration, and cites that, historically, data sharing has provided the greatest challenge for AI development. Luckily, he says, that is changing. EPOCH combines AI and traditional methods in manufacturing, especially in product design.