Teams Unite to Preserve Endangered PCB Design Skills

Two UK training companies have joined forces to tackle the critical shortage of PCB skills that is putting PCB designers at risk of becoming an endangered species.

Advanced Rework Technology (A.R.T.), a leading provider of IPC-certified and bespoke training services for the electronics assembly industry, has partnered with the Colchester-based PCB Design School. The PCB Design School is known for its hands-on training in PCB design delivered by experienced board designers.

Founder of the PCB Design School, Roger Benfield, expressed concern over the dwindling number of PCB designers, stating, “PCB designers are on the endangered species list – that’s why we have established the only school in the UK teaching PCB design.” Benfield highlighted the neglect in providing PCB design training over the past two decades, leading to an aging demographic of PCB designers in their late 50s to early 60s.

A.R.T. has a long history of offering IPC-certified training to companies and individuals in the electronics manufacturing supply chain since 1988. Their training programs focus on equipping participants with the necessary skills to engineer, produce, and rework high-quality printed circuit boards.

Debbie Wade, Managing Director & Master IPC trainer at A.R.T., emphasized the importance of collaboration with PCB Design School, stating, “We’re always happy to work with partners who share the same aims – and PCB Design School’s focus on increasing skills among aspiring and experienced PCB designers alike aligns well with our mission.”

Both companies provide a range of skills training for individuals involved in PCB design and production. They have a mutual agreement to promote each other’s training offerings and introduce potential candidates to broaden their skill sets in the field.

With a background in PCB design for major defense and aerospace projects, as well as industries like nuclear energy and automotive, Benfield brings a wealth of experience to the PCB Design School. Located at the University of Essex’s Knowledge Gateway Research & Technology Park, the school aims to train the next generation of PCB designers and address the skills gap in the electronics industry.

A.R.T. offers bespoke training that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of customers. As one of the few fully accredited IPC certification centers globally, they provide certified IPC training across all programs, including Space and Military Addendums, to uphold industry standards. Additionally, A.R.T. offers consultancy, inspection plans, and auditing services for PCB design.

For more information, visit www.rework.co.uk.