Summary of "IPC training and certification at the Thai Microelectronics Center"

This video features an interview conducted by Keith Bryant from Global SMT and Packaging Magazine with Dr. Wan from the Thai Microelectronics Center (TMEC) during the THECA show in Bangkok 2025. The discussion focuses on the establishment and objectives of the Thailand Electronic Circuit Center (TCC), a training facility designed to support the rapidly growing printed circuit board (PCB) industry in Thailand.

Main Ideas and Concepts

Background and Expertise of Dr. Wan
- Dr. Wan has over 25 years of experience in the semiconductor industry.
- He works at TMEC and collaborates with the Thailand Printed Circuit Association (TSPCA) to bridge semiconductor knowledge with PCB manufacturing.
Purpose of the Thailand Electronic Circuit Center (TCC)
- TCC is being established to train and upskill workers to meet the demand from a growing number of PCB factories relocating to Thailand (50-60 factories expected).
- These factories require approximately 10,000 workers each, totaling 50,000 to 60,000 workers over the next 2-3 years.
- The center aims to reduce the skills gap by providing practical, hands-on training to prepare workers for immediate employment in PCB factories.
Training Methodology
- Combines classroom theory with practical training on a prototype manufacturing line to simulate real factory conditions.
- Includes IPC certification and other necessary PCB-related training courses.
- Focus on fast-tracking engineers and technicians into the workforce with applicable skills.
Industry Growth and Student Engagement
- The PCB industry in Thailand is expanding rapidly and is gaining higher profile and importance.
- Efforts are made to attract students by emphasizing:
  - The large scale and growth of the PCB industry.
  - Career opportunities and competitive salaries.
- PCB manufacturing is presented as a dynamic, evolving field with new technologies such as high-density interconnect (HDI) boards, advanced materials, and surface finishes.
Importance of Continuous Learning
- The PCB industry is continuously evolving, requiring ongoing education and adaptation.
- Entry-level workers can expect lifelong learning opportunities and career growth in related fields such as electronic design, chip packaging, and IC design.
PCB as a Critical Technology
- PCB boards are highly customized and complex components essential to electronic products.
- Analogies used to explain PCB function:
  - Infrastructure like a city’s power grid where chips are “plugged in.”
  - Home wiring system that connects and powers all devices safely.
Collaboration and Support
- Strong synergy between industry, academia, government, and associations like THPCA is critical to the center’s success.
- The program aims to train tens of thousands of engineers within five years, though still fewer than China’s scale but achieved in a much shorter timeframe.
Challenges and Achievements
- The initiative has been in development for over two years and has already made significant progress.
- The approach combines both intellectual knowledge and practical skills, which is seen as a major advantage compared to other countries.

Detailed Methodology / Training Approach

Establishment of a dedicated training center (TCC) focused on PCB manufacturing skills.
Address workforce demand created by 50-60 new PCB factories relocating to Thailand.
Train approximately 50,000-60,000 workers over 2-3 years.
Use a combination of:
- Classroom theoretical instruction.
- Hands-on practical training on a prototype manufacturing line.
- IPC certification and other PCB-specific certifications.
Promote industry awareness and career opportunities to attract students.
Emphasize continuous learning due to evolving technologies in PCB manufacturing.
Foster cooperation among government, industry, and academia to support workforce development.