Fresh PCB Concepts: Assembly Challenges with Micro Components and Standard Solder Mask Practices
Elementary Mr. Watson: Retro Routers vs. Modern Boards—The Silent Struggle on Your Screen
Beyond Design: The Metamorphosis of the PCB Router
The Test Connection Inc. Promotes Melanie Rutkauskas to Director of Operations for The Training Connection, LLC
March 11, 2025 | The Test Connection Inc.Estimated reading time: 1 minute
The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a leading provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions, is pleased to announce the promotion of Melanie Rutkauskas to Director of Operations for The Training Connection, LLC (TTC-LLC). With her extensive background in operations management, accounting, and customer relations, Melanie brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her new role.
As part of its commitment to shaping the future of electronics manufacturing, TTCI recently launched The Training Connection, LLC, an initiative dedicated to empowering engineers and professionals through expert-led training programs. TTC-LLC offers courses in Design for Test (DFT), IPC standards certifications (including 610, 600, and 620), and advanced soldering techniques. Training sessions are available at multiple locations, including Tampa and Baltimore.
Melanie joined TTCI in 2015 as Executive Office Administrator and Accountant and played a key role in the launch and development of The Training Connection. Her leadership, organizational skills, and passion for helping companies enhance their workforce made her a natural fit to lead TTC-LLC into its next phase of growth.
“I am excited to take on this role and continue building The Training Connection into a premier destination for hands-on training in the electronics manufacturing industry,” said Melanie Rutkauskas. “For years, we’ve heard from customers and vendors about the critical need for more training opportunities to help upskill their teams. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a solution that helps current and future engineers, quality teams, and inspection staff gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.”
Melanie brings over 30 years of leadership experience, including her tenure as Senior Vice President of Operations at the Better Business Bureau of Maryland from 1998 to 2015. Prior to that, she held senior accounting roles at Household Bank Ohio and First National Bank of Maryland/Allfirst, and also worked as a freelance accountant for nearly a decade.
Her diverse professional background, combined with her certification as an IPC Specialist in IPC-A-610-H, gives Melanie a unique blend of operational and technical expertise that will help align training offerings with the evolving needs of the electronics industry.
As Director of Operations, Melanie will oversee day-to-day operations, course development, instructor coordination, and customer engagement, ensuring that The Training Connection delivers high-quality training experiences that empower electronics manufacturing professionals to excel.
Share on:
Suggested Items
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.
It’s Only Common Sense: Why Sales Teams Fail (and How to Fix Them)
06/22/2025 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseIn sales, success is never a given. Despite best intentions, the most well-resourced sales teams can stumble. Understanding why is the first step toward creating a high-performing sales force. Here are the main reasons sales teams fail—and actionable strategies to fix them.
STI Celebrates Travis Wease’s 10 Years of Dedicated Service
06/17/2025 | STI Electronics, Inc.STI Electronics, Inc., a full-service organization providing training services, training materials, analytical/failure analysis, prototyping, and contract electronic manufacturing, proudly celebrated the 10-year work anniversary of Travis Wease, Master Instructor and valued team member.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Test: A Conversation with Bert Horner
06/11/2025 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007Bert Horner is a seasoned industry veteran and co-creator of The Test Connection, Inc. (TTCI), a test and inspection company spanning over 45 years. In this candid conversation, Bert reflects on the challenges our industry faces with the retirement of career professionals and the subsequent loss of critical tribal knowledge. As he unveils The Training Connection’s innovative training initiatives, Bert emphasizes the importance of evolving educational programs that align with industry needs, particularly in design for test (DFT), and sheds light on strategies being implemented to foster the next generation of engineers.
IPC Launches New Wire Harness Design Course Led by Defense Industry Expert
06/03/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIPC is expanding its educational offerings with a new online course designed to provide foundational knowledge in wire harness and cable design. The course, Introduction to Wire Harness Design I, is led by a seasoned mechanical engineer and subject matter expert in military cable systems working at FNSS Defense Systems in Turkey.