It was my first day in Anaheim for IPC APEX EXPO, and I arrived at John Wayne airport on Saturday to cool and sunny weather, which, coming from Arizona, is my favorite. The show starts with technical and standards work over the weekend as we prep for the show floor opening in the days to come. Exhibitors and union workers get busy building the impressive booths that make up the exhibition, which started on Tuesday and saw a steady flow of attendees all day long.

Mike Nager is a recognized Industry 4.0 thought leader who works to get more STEM learning environments into high schools and colleges. He’s an award-winning author who has written three books on manufacturing for the young audience. Mike is addressing the reality that waiting to create awareness and interest in electronics manufacturing until future workers are young adults is too little, too late.

Paige Fiet is a graduate of the IPC Emerging Engineer program and now works at TTM Technologies in Logan, Utah. She was an IPC Student Board Member and has been a columnist for I-Connect007. She is a stellar example and an encouragement to other young engineers about how to be successful in your early career.