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Bridging the Gap: Workforce Collaboration in East Texas
February 13, 2025 | Cory Blaylock, IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute

IPC has partnered with Stephen F. Austin State University's (SFASU) Center for Applied Research and Rural Innovation (CARRI) and the IPC Education Foundation on a transformative project aimed at aligning academic training with real-world demands in electronics manufacturing. This partnership is not only a significant step forward in workforce development but a shining example of how academia and industry can join forces to create a future-ready workforce. Though this example is focused on PCB assembly, it showcases a valuable model for workforce development in all areas of electronics manufacturing.
The spark igniting this transformation? A powerful blend of strategic funding, hands-on training, and deep industry-academic collaboration.
A select group of SFASU faculty and students underwent intensive certification training last summer for IPC-J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610. These certifications, pivotal for careers in soldering and electronics assembly, equip participants with hands-on skills and technical knowledge that bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry needs. With soldering equipment donated by Weller Tools, SFASU’s faculty and students are now practicing with tools and techniques that meet the standards required in today’s electronics manufacturing workforce.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the January 2025 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.
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Take the Next Step With IPC’s Spring Session of Instructor-led Courses
03/25/2025 | Corey Lynn, IPCIPC continues to lead in professional development within the electronics industry, offering a diverse lineup of online instructor-led courses. These courses are designed to help professionals master new skills, stay ahead of technological advancements, and meet the challenges of today's dynamic industry environment.
Electronics in Harsh Environments Conference Program Announced
03/25/2025 | SMTASMTA Europe is proud to announce the 2025 Electronics in Harsh Environments Conference, taking place 20-22 May in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This global conference is a three-day technical event with 27 technical presentations focused on building reliable electronics used in power electronics and harsh environments.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: LPKF's Advancements in Laser Depaneling Technology
03/25/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOIn this recent interview, Jake Benz from LPKF Laser and Electronics discusses advancements in laser depaneling technology, focusing on speed and quality. He highlights the previous negative reputation of laser depaneling and shares insights from nearly two decades of experience. As customer needs evolve, traditional companies are exploring laser technology.
Dr. Thomas Marktscheffel of ASMPT Honored for his Work on Open Interfaces
03/25/2025 | ASMPTDr. Thomas Marktscheffel, Director Product Management Software Solutions at ASMPT, was honored by the IPC at this year's IPC APEX EXPO in Anaheim, California, for his many years of commitment to the organization. The non-proprietary interface standards he helped develop form the basis for ASMPT’s intelligent factory concept.
American Made Advocacy: Reshoring—About Trust, Not Just Geography
03/25/2025 | Shane Whiteside -- Column: American Made AdvocacyIn today’s chaotic political environment, you might have missed the fact that Congress allocated nearly $3 billion to rip out and replace key components in America’s telecommunications networks. The funding is to remove equipment from networks nationwide because of cyberattacks on internet routers and cellular networks enabled by a Chinese company that makes more than half of the routers sold in the U.S. We know from prior experience and similar transgressions that we cannot trust that Chinese components aren’t being used for nefarious purposes.