It is with deep sadness that IPC reports the recent news of the death of industry visionary and long-time IPC leader and volunteer Michael Ford, who passed away on January 27.
I just finished the latest issue of IPC Community which is chock full of great content, including timely updates on IPC standards, workforce programs, and events like IPC APEX EXPO 2024. The issue also spotlights the certification team that works with our community to develop, implement and promote industry credentialing and workforce programs. The Community magazine is truly an indispensable resource!
In the spirit of reflecting on the year just passed and looking ahead to the new year, here are the highlights of IPC’s government policy advocacy efforts in 2023.
Review of the IPC PCB Design Fundamentals Course.
An Overview of the PCB Design Fundamentals II: Fabrication Course
Years in the works, IPC earned the U.S. Department of Labor’s approval for our National Program Standards of Apprenticeship on Wednesday, November 15.
How can companies use marketing principles and tools to attract quality job candidates and improve employee retention? Stephanie Austin, director of marketing, Zentech Manufacturing, explains in “Manufacturing a Creative Workforce Development Strategy.” Austin, a member of IPC's EMS Steering Committee, will participate in the upcoming EMS Leadership Summit on April 8, 2024, at IPC APEX EXPO.
To better support the needs of the growing UK EMS industry, IPC hosted the inaugural UK EMS Executive meeting in London on July 14.
On July 19, the U.S. Senate passed a motion to proceed to debate on a slimmed down federal R&D bill that includes more than $52 billion funding to implement the CHIPS Act.
After years of trying to get the funding for the CHIPS Act passed via several different vehicles, the U.S. Congress acted quickly last week to approve a slimmed-down version of the competitiveness package formerly known as “USICA” and “America COMPETES” before the August recess.