I should probably begin with an apology, because this may be a tough pill to swallow and not the small vitamin kind. This is one of those honking, huge pills that could choke a mule. My goal is not to criticize students, dismiss academia, or blame industry. In many ways, I am part of all three conversations. I teach students trying to find their way. I work in academia and believe deeply in the value of education. I also come from an industry that needs skilled PCB designers more than ever, yet sometimes seems surprised when they do not simply appear out of the mist, holding a completed layout, a clean DRC report, and 10 years of experience.

The battle between old and new is nothing new. Throughout history, technological progress has faced skepticism, resistance, and at times, outright hostility. Yet progress tends to win. In his book, "RenAIssance," author and APEX EXPO 2026 keynote Zack Kass illustrates this point beautifully. From hand weaving to sewing machines, from scribes to the printing press, from horse-drawn carriages to automobiles, and now to artificial intelligence, each technological leap has ultimately made our lives more productive and expanded what was possible.

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