Training for New Hires

Apr 22, 2023

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Since training is such a key component in converting an inexperienced new hire into a valued contributor on the manufacturing floor, we asked Brenda Clunie, vice president of sales and operations at EPTAC, exactly how their certification programs deliver on this promise for new hires.

Q: How much demand do you see for new hire training among electronics manufacturers?

A: As the electronics industry grows and evolves, there is an increasing demand for new hire training among electronics manufacturers. With advancements in technology and new market trends emerging, it is essential for manufacturers to ensure their employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to keep up with this fast-paced industry. From learning about new production techniques to understanding the latest regulations and compliance standards, new hire training has become a crucial aspect of maintaining a competitive edge in the electronics manufacturing sector. As such, we can expect to see a continued demand for high-quality training programs designed to help new hires thrive in this dynamic industry.

We also see a significant number of experienced employees leaving the industry due to retirement, and this drives significant competition for talent. Increased labor costs increase the importance of training new hires to be ready to contribute as quickly as possible.

On the other hand, the increased complexity of products and certification requirements drives the need for higher qualifications of employees, which translates into continued training of employees vs. a one-time new hire training.

EPTAC provides over 1,500 scheduled classes a year at 24 locations across North America. We also work with electronics manufacturers to customize the trainings to their specific needs and can have the trainings onsite at their facilities.

Q: What topics/skills does the typical new hire training course contain?

A: We offer a broad range of training for new hires as well as experienced employees. Our new hire training includes skills around soldering, cable/wire harness, and inspection techniques. Specifically, our hand soldering certification classes are the most popular training for new hires. This five-day training teaches the foundation of soldering knowledge and the hands-on skills and techniques. Attendees solder practice pieces, then inspect and submit them for instructor inspection and feedback. Their final workmanship pieces are graded for certification. This experience allows students to spend nearly three-quarters of the time experiencing the technology first-hand.

Many electronics manufacturers also need to get their employees certified according to the requirements of the products they focus on. Based on our experience, IPC-610, "Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies," and IPC-620, "Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies," are the most in-demand certifications for new hires.

Q: What are the post-training performance metrics that your clients report with their new staff?

A: Most of our trainings have a certification component that has both a written and hands-on exam. This ensures that the objectives of the training have been achieved for each participant.

Some of our clients also measure post training performance by conducting a skills assessment test that evaluates employees' ability to perform tasks they were trained on. This test can be used to identify areas where employees may require additional training, and can track progress over time. We work with these clients to craft customized training programs to address gaps where additional training is required.

At the end of the day, our main goal is to help our clients increase quality standards, improve productivity, and maximize profits.

This Q&A with Brenda Clunie was featured in the May 2023 issue of SMT007 Magazine.