Upskill Your California Electronics Team at Little to No Cost
California’s electronics manufacturers—serving everything from computing to aerospace—have a timely chance to strengthen their teams without straining their budgets. Through a new partnership between IPC and the state’s Employment Training Panel (ETP), employers can tap funding to sharpen employee skills. The goal is straightforward: open doors for workers, raise capability on the factory floor, and help companies compete.
A Statewide Push to Build Talent
IPC represents roughly 1,500 electronics manufacturing locations across California. Working with ETP, IPC connects companies to structured, industry-specific training that lifts qualifications where it matters most. With the state’s electronics industry employing about 275,000 people, this program gives manufacturers a practical way to invest in their workforce while keeping costs down.
Training That Fits the Job
The program is flexible. Employers can choose IPC training that aligns with their own needs, so time spent learning pays off on the line. Courses are built for real roles in the electronics sector—think printed circuit board (PCB) assembly operators, wire harness assembly operators, and manufacturing engineers—so teams build skills they’ll actually use.
Significant Funding, Simple Process
Through ETP, eligible companies can receive up to $650,000 to cover training over 12 to 24 months. Partnering with IPC can lower the cost of that training dramatically, which makes it far more accessible for busy shops and growing plants. IPC also handles the heavy lift on paperwork and reporting, so you can focus on the work that matters: training people and improving performance.
Who’s Eligible
If your organization employs at least one full-time employee and contributes to the State Unemployment Insurance system, you can take part. That inclusive approach is especially helpful for small and midsize manufacturers—the backbone of many IPC members—who often need training support but may not have large HR or grants teams.
Why It’s Worth Acting Now
Victoria Hawkins, IPC’s director of workforce grants and funding, urges California employers to move quickly to make use of this opportunity. Participation can support growth, help retain good people, and give employees a clearer path to advance. When training is relevant and affordable, employers, workers, and the broader economy all benefit.
What It Means for California
Electronics manufacturing is a pillar of California’s economy. It directly employs about 275,000 people and supports another 700,000 jobs. The industry’s annual output in the state exceeds $300 billion, underscoring California’s role as a leader. These manufacturers play a central part in advancing technologies across key areas, including aerospace, defense, and information technology—fields that depend on a skilled, up-to-date workforce.
How to Learn More
If you’d like to explore the IPC?ETP opportunity, visit IPC’s website or contact Ms. Hawkins directly at 847-597-2943 for details on next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IPC?ETP partnership?
It’s a collaboration between IPC and the Employment Training Panel that provides funding to train workers in California’s electronics industry, helping employers build skills at minimal or no cost.
Who can apply for these training funds?
Any California employer with at least one full-time employee that contributes to the State Unemployment Insurance system is eligible to participate in the program.
What kinds of training are included?
IPC offers industry-specific training aligned with manufacturing roles, including PCB assembly operators, wire harness assembly operators, and manufacturing engineers, with options selected based on an employer’s needs.
How much funding is available, and for how long?
Eligible companies can receive up to $650,000 in ETP funding to support training over a period of 12 to 24 months, depending on company plans and participation.
What does IPC handle in the process?
IPC streamlines participation by managing the required paperwork and reporting, allowing employers to concentrate on scheduling and delivering training for their teams.
