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www.us-tech.com


Tech-Op-ed September 2026 SOUNDING OFF


By Michael Skinner Editor


The Skills Gap E


lectronics manufacturers have been talking about the skills gap for years. Companies struggle to find experienced technicians, process engineers, machine operators, and maintenance per-


sonnel, while veteran employees continue to retire. The usual expla- nation is simple: there are not enough qualified people available. That is part of the problem, but it is not the whole story. In many cas- es, the skills gap is also a leadership gap. Manufacturers cannot expect the labor market to consistently


deliver employees who arrive fully trained for highly specialized roles. As equipment, software, and production processes become more sophisticated, companies must take greater responsibility for devel- oping the people they need. Many job descriptions reveal the contradiction. Manufacturers want candidates with years of experience on spe-


cific equipment, familiarity with specialized software, strong elec- tronics knowledge, and an understanding of quality systems. At the same time, companies may be reluctant to hire less-experienced can- didates and train them. That approach works only when someone else has already done


the training. When every employer competes for the same limited pool of experienced workers, the shortage becomes self-reinforcing. Companies poach talent from one another without expanding the overall workforce. A sustainable solution requires creating skilled employees


rather than simply searching for them.Strong workforce development requires investment. Apprenticeships, mentoring, cross-training, technical education, and partnerships with community colleges or trade schools all take time and money. But so do vacancies, produc- tion delays, overtime, quality issues, and constant recruiting. Training should therefore be treated as manufacturing infra-


structure. Just as companies maintain equipment to preserve produc- tivity, they must continually develop employee capabilities. A techni- cian who understands multiple systems or an operator trained to troubleshoot process problems creates resilience that cannot be pur- chased simply by installing another machine. Retention matters just as much as recruitment. Employees are


more likely to stay when they can see a future within an organization. A production operator should be able to understand how to become a technician. A technician should see a path toward engineering, super- vision, or another advanced role. Without those pathways, talented em- ployees often leave-not necessarily because they dislike manufactur- ing, but because another employer offers greater opportunity. Manufacturers that want loyalty must provide growth. The elec-


tronics industry absolutely needs more young people entering manu- facturing. Schools, industry associations, and government programs all have roles to play. But manufacturers cannot outsource responsi- bility for building their own workforce. The companies that succeed will be those willing to identify po-


tential, invest in people, transfer knowledge, and create careers rather than simply fill openings. r


PUBLISHER’S NOTE


By Jacob Fattal Publisher


Foward to Fall A


fter the blazing heat of summer we arrive at the Fall season. Our September edition has many events to cover, including SMTA Guadalajara, The Battery Show, and SEMICON West. SMTA Guadalajara, October 7-8 at Expo Guadalajara in Mexico,


will once again put the spotlight on electronics manufacturing throughout the region. More than 130 exhibitors are expected, with equipment and solutions covering PCB assembly, soldering, inspec- tion, test, automation, cleaning and other production technologies. The show also combines the exhibition with free technical presenta- tions, making it an important meeting point for Mexico’s rapidly ex- panding electronics manufacturing sector. The Battery Show North America, October 12-15 at Huntington


Place in Detroit, will bring together more than 1,300 suppliers serv- ing the battery and EV industries. Attendees can expect the latest de- velopments in battery cells and materials, pack assembly, testing, thermal management, charging infrastructure and energy storage. Conference sessions will also address battery manufacturing, safety, recycling, sustainability and the changing EV market. SEMICON West, October 13-15 at San Francisco’s Moscone Cen-


ter, will focus on the technologies driving the next generation of semi- conductor manufacturing. AI will be prominent throughout the event, alongside advanced packaging, smart manufacturing and factory au- tomation, semiconductor test, cybersecurity and emerging computing technologies. Executive keynotes and technology programs will also examine the investments and manufacturing strategies shaping the industry’s continued expansion. Hope to see you there! r


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