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One World, One Industry: Mapping the Future of the Electronics Workforce

When we think of everything that impacts the world economy, I can’t help but think of electronics. They impact everything. As you have heard me say over the past few years, electronics is no longer a vertical, it’s a horizontal. As practically every industry sector relies on natural resources like water and fossil fuels, they also rely on a manmade resource—electronics. From agriculture to automotive and AI to aerospace, I can’t think of any industry that does not rely heavily upon electronics as it maps out the future.

While electronics progress at an ever-increasing pace to deliver the wonders of the future, there is a crucial aspect that has been part of the electronics ecosystem for decades: a skilled workforce. This is true now more than ever. Not only do technological innovations happen at an increasingly faster pace, but the need for them is everywhere. This is great, but the capabilities of those already in the industry and those looking to break into our industry need to keep up.

No longer is it just a matter of training on the latest skills and capabilities (which is still a critical and essential part), but we are now competing with many other industries for many of these very same skills. This is not a one-country problem. This is a “one world” problem. Everyone in every industry needs the same skills we need because they are using the devices we are creating for them. So, what can be done?

Well, as the global electronics association, IPC has been striving to alleviate some of this burden from our great industry by working with you, our industry members, to understand exactly what skills and capabilities you need in your workforce. We then give that information to our team of expert instructional designers, who apply the latest learning science to ensure the information you want your workforce to know can be learned and retained quickly, accurately, and with fantastic staying power.

Even better news: You can try out some of these programs (and obtain serialized certificates) for free as an IPC member. Our job as the global electronics association is to help the electronics industry continue to be successful. We strive to accomplish this by providing our members with free courses in employee health and safety and product quality and reliability, such as courses on electrostatic discharge (ESD), safety, and foreign object debris (FOD). They allow you to sample and see the level of training you can enjoy. Of course, we offer many other courses that will help your team on their pathways to their career objectives. If that wasn’t enough, there are now government-funded opportunities to defray those costs as well that IPC has been able to secure.

My entire life has been spent in the belief that if we keep learning and adding skills, we can excel well beyond today’s limits, and we can compete in a constantly changing industry. Continuous learning helps individuals expand their skills and knowledge and enhance their careers. When you have lifelong learners on your team, your company excels. Try out IPC’s free courses today and learn how you can revolutionize your workforce skills and capabilities going forward. Continual education is where it is at.

This column originally appeared in the January 2025 issue of PCB007 Magazine.