WIRED IN By Christine Siebert
IPC launched the Emerging Engineer program in 2016 to provide professionals early in their careers an opportunity to learn from the dedicated industry volunteers who participate in standards development. This program has now been extended to WHMA members. Through this sharing, our valued IPC/WHMA leaders will mentor IPC/WHMA Emerging Engineers and provide them with the tools they need to continue standards development for many years to come. As Mentors they will also have the opportunity to ensure their projects carry forward while they help build the future.
This program is an exciting way for WHMA members to become more involved in the IPC Standard development, i.e. IPC/WHMA-A-620 Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies, IPC-HDBK-620 Handbook and Guide to IPC-D-620 and IPC/WHMA-A-620, IPC-D-620 Design and Critical Process Requirements for Cable and Wire Harness, IPC-A-640 Acceptance Requirements for Optical Fiber, Optical Cable, and Hybrid Wiring Harness Assemblies. WHMA mentors will be able to mentor young, emerging Engineers and assist them with navigating the IPC committee and standards. The mentor/mentored do not have to work in the same company. This is a great way for both parties to network and learn more about IPC standard committees.
To be eligible to participate as an Emerging Engineer, professionals must have worked in the industry for less than 5 years or be a university student. Mentors must have worked in the industry for a minimum of 7 years and on an IPC committee for at least five years.
Emerging Engineers Receive:
- Education and mentoring for professional development
- Recognition for the program participant and his/her company – industry awareness
- Complimentary All-Access Package registration to IPC APEX EXPO, for three years (attendance required)
- Complimentary registration to IPC SummerCom featuring Panelpalooza (attendance not required)
- Complimentary registration to WHMA Annual Wire Harness Conference (WHMA Emerging Engineers)
- Limited number of University Student Emerging Engineers are eligible to receive reimbursement for travel, room, and incidentals.
Mentors Receive:
- Experiences and connections for career enrichment
- Opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills and technical expertise
- Recognition for program participant and his/her company – industry awareness
- Registration to recognition luncheons
“The IPC Emerging Engineer program gives new engineers a leg up early in their careers,” said John Mitchell, IPC president and CEO. “And it enables industry experts a chance to share their knowledge and expertise with the next generation of engineers. We’re all working together to make our industry stronger.”
For more information, visit www.ipc.org/emerging-engineer. To submit an application, send an e-mail to careerdevelopment@ipc.org.
As always, if you have any questions, please email contact.us@whma.org or reach out to me directly at Christine.siebert@ipc.org.