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The IPC Education Foundation (IPCEF) hosted its annual STEM Outreach Event over the course of two days at IPC APEX EXPO 2023 in San Diego, accommodating more than 550 students on Wednesday, Jan. 25 and Thursday, Jan. 26. This was IPCEF’s largest event to date. The event created awareness of the many careers available in the electronics manufacturing industry and helped future talent engage and connect with industry professionals.
“For years, workforce development, training, and availability have been among the most pressing concerns for leaders in companies throughout the electronics supply chain,” said Joe O’Neil, chairman of IPCEF, on how programs like the STEM Outreach Event help support the Foundation’s mission to introduce the younger generation to the industry. “Through its efforts to provide access to crucial information and resources for career development, as well as connecting students with industry professionals and companies, IPCEF is addressing these issues head-on and working to ensure that the industry has a highly skilled and motivated workforce that is prepared to meet the evolving needs of the industry.”
The days were packed with various hands-on technical activities, career exploration, and industry engagement. The students participated in four tracks, each of which focused on a specific topic or activity: soldering, PCB design, an IPC APEX EXPO exhibit hall show floor tour, and a roundtable discussion. These kinds of engaging activities introduce students to the skills needed to succeed in the industry, as well as the career exploration opportunities available to them depending on their desired career entry point, whether after high school or following postsecondary education.
To read the rest of this article, which appeared in the 2023 issue of Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO Show & Tell Magazine, click here.
