Solderjoint_No2_Magazin - Flipbook - Page 45
We talked to
Charlene Gunter,
Senior Director,
The Electronics
Foundation about
their mission, vision
and partnership
with Weller Tools:
Charlene brings nearly 20 years of
experience in non-profit and membership-driven organizations, with a focus on
program development and operational
growth. She has a proven track record in
fundraising, sponsorships, and strategic
partnerships that align with organizational missions and outcomes.
Weller: Charlene, what inspired the Electronics Foundation, formerly IPC
Education Foundation to focus so strongly on soldering education and
workforce development?
Charlene Gunter: The Electronics Foundation, formerly known as the IPC
Education Foundation, provides access to soldering education and workforce development due to several critical factors:
1. Industry Demand & Skills Gap: There has been a growing global shortage
of skilled electronics technicians, particularly in areas such as soldering, PCB
assembly, and repair. Soldering is a fundamental, hands-on skill essential for
jobs in electronics manufacturing, defense, aerospace, automotive, and
medical sectors. Employers consistently report that graduates often lack
practical, job-ready skills, especially in soldering.
2. Workforce Readiness: By focusing on soldering education, the Foundation
helps prepare students to be immediately employable. Hands-on soldering
experience directly translates to industry certifications which names are not
affected by the associations name change (like IPC J-STD-001 or IPC-A-610),
which are often required for employment. Helping students earn a certificate
of completion after taking the Soldering Safety Essentials Course
(https://www.electronicsu.org/) gives them a competitive edge in the job
market, and strengthens the pipeline of qualified talent.
3. Engagement and Exposure: Soldering projects and contests are
engaging entry points for students – especially high school and community
college students – sparking long-term interest in electronics careers. These
activities offer practical, tactile learning, which can be more impactful than
theory alone.
#SOLDERjoint
#2 – 2025
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