The electronics manufacturing industry underpins nearly every aspect of modern life. From smartphones and medical devices to defence systems, transportation and renewable energy, this sector powers our digital world. Yet, despite its critical importance, the UK electronics industry faces a silent crisis—a shortage of skilled technicians.
While engineers get much of the spotlight, the technicians who build, assemble, test and repair these vital technologies are in increasingly short supply. With many experienced hands retiring, and too few people entering the profession, this skills gap now threatens productivity, sustainability and growth across the sector.
In response, a group of passionate industry professionals and organisations have come together to offer a powerful new solution: a practical, engaging, hands-on workshop and job fair, open to jobseekers, students and anyone curious about electronics manufacturing.
Introducing ‘Insight into Electronics Manufacturing’
Hosted at Jaltek Systems in Luton, Bedfordshire on Wednesday 2 April 2025, Insight into Electronics Manufacturing is a collaborative initiative between Advanced Rework Technology Ltd (ART), the IPC (the global electronics industry trade association), Jaltek Systems (an AS9100 and ISO 13485-accredited contract manufacturer) and Nano Electronic Services.
The event is designed to demystify the role of electronics technicians, inspire the next generation of skilled workers and help local employers connect with potential hires.
ART’s MD, Debbie McDade, said: “This event is the first of its kind that we have run with IPC, so we are excited to be part of this new venture—and we hope to run similar events at other locations in the UK throughout 2025.”
Why now? Understanding the skills gap
As Debbie explained, the event couldn’t come at a more critical time: “Today’s world runs on electronics It makes everything we use in everyday life work, from smartphones, TVs and laptops to planes, trains and automobiles. However, most of it is hidden away. Despite how critical electronics is, both in the UK and globally, a massive skills gap persists—particularly in manufacturing.”
The technician shortage has been building for years but became impossible to ignore after COVID-19. Furloughs, redundancies and early retirements stripped the industry of experienced hands. Simultaneously, younger generations, uncertain about the nature of technician roles, are not entering the profession in sufficient numbers.
At the 2024 IPC EMS Day in London, industry leaders voiced their concerns. While contracts and customer demand are strong, manufacturers are struggling to find the skilled people needed to fulfil them. Even with amazing products and solid business pipelines, companies are struggling to find the people to actually build them.”
Mismatch between education and industry
Part of the problem is that many young people—and their parents—don’t fully understand what a technician’s role entails. Others may pursue electronics-related degrees but still lack the practical experience to get hired.
Debbie said: “You can gain a degree in electronics without ever having picked up a soldering iron. I know, I did it myself. I had the theory but not the hands-on skills which left me in limbo. I couldn’t get a job as a technician, and I wasn’t ready to be an engineer either.”
It’s a disconnect that this event aims to bridge, with an emphasis on learning by doing.
What attendees can expect
The Insight into Electronics Manufacturing workshop is a half-day event available in morning (9.30am) and afternoon (1.30pm) sessions. Each session features a mix of educational, interactive and networking opportunities, including:
Seminar presentations—Industry professionals will talk attendees through the structure of the electronics manufacturing sector, the opportunities available and the rewards of a career as a technician. Special attention will be given to success stories from individuals who began as technicians and rose through the ranks.
Hands-on soldering workshop—Attendees can learn to solder a simple, working LED board. It’s a no-pressure opportunity to try a core skill and see if the work feels enjoyable and natural. They’ll even get to take the board home.
Job fair—Local employers, including Jaltek and others, will be on hand to promote current vacancies, discuss apprenticeship opportunities and build relationships with potential candidates.
Factory tour—Jaltek will open its doors to showcase its advanced electronics manufacturing facility. For many attendees, this will be their first chance to see what a modern, high-tech factory looks like—and it’s likely to challenge outdated perceptions.
The entire event is free of charge, and light refreshments will be provided. Places are limited, and pre-registration is essential for health and safety planning.
Register here: https://rework.co.uk/blog/insight-into-electronics-manufacturing-workshop-job-fair/
More than just a job fair
While the event offers immediate access to job opportunities, it’s not just about recruitment. It’s about raising awareness, building confidence and opening minds to a career path many hadn’t considered.
For example, the soldering workshop uses a simple LED chaser board with a microphone that responds to sound—clapping your hands or playing music causes the lights to react. Participants will also receive a step-by-step guide, allowing them to finish the project at home if they wish.
Debbie added: “It’s a fun, interactive introduction to electronics assembly. Some people might realise it’s not for them. Others might fall in love with it.”
Who is the event for?
The event is open to:
- School and college leavers
- University students
- Jobseekers and unemployed individuals
- Career changers from other sectors
- Returners to work after a career break
- Retired engineers looking to re-engage or mentor
It’s a particularly valuable opportunity for those who may feel unsure or intimidated by technical careers as Debbie explained: “This is a way to try before you buy. No interview. No pressure. Just come and see if it feels right.”
Sustainable skill share: bridging generations
The workshop’s aim of reengaging with those returning from a career break or retirement aligns with Sustainable Engineering’s concept of ‘skill sharing’.
It’s easy to assume sustainability only applies to tangible resources such as materials and fossil fuels. No so, sustainability also applies to intangibles such as knowledge, skill and experience which can be recycled, reused and upcycled through sharing.
The process involves bridging the generation gap by connecting seasoned professionals with young technicians or those new to the profession. Experienced technicians often possess decades of invaluable hands-on knowledge, troubleshooting expertise and industry insights that textbooks simply cannot provide. During the event, skilled technicians will be available to share their stories, provide one-to-one guidance in practical sessions and offer advice to attendees.
Debbie said: “It’s about building relationships and passing down knowledge that will sustain our industry well into the future.”
Why technicians matter
In an industry often dominated by discussions of AI, robotics and advanced automation, it’s easy to overlook the importance of technicians. Human skill remains essential—especially when precision, quality and safety are at stake.
IPC’s president of Europe & South Asia operations, Sanjay Huprikar, said: “As part of IPC’s focus to help the UK’s electronics manufacturers address their qualified labour shortages, this workshop will highlight the importance and value in developing vital skills in hand soldering and rework/repair. Simultaneously, the event will serve as a job fair for local manufacturing companies who are looking to hire operators, technicians, and engineers.”
Technicians are the hands that bring innovation to life and, as technology continues to evolve, the need for skilled, adaptable, and motivated workers will only grow.
Risks of doing nothing
If industry fails to address the technician shortage, the consequences could be severe. Manufacturers may face reduced productivity, increased scrap and rework, delayed shipments and frustrated customers. There’s also a growing sustainability issue. Poor workmanship leads to waste. Overworked staff experience burnout, and younger generations are turned off by companies that appear careless with resources.
Debbie continued: “The downsides of a skill shortage aren’t limited to productivity and growth. There is a danger a manufacturer’s work in progress will include product that either becomes scrap or requires additional remedial work. So, this is not just bad business—it’s bad for the environment too.”
National blueprint
Following a successful Luton event, the organisers plan to roll the model out across the UK, targeting areas with high concentrations of electronics manufacturers and people keen to explore the opportunities offered by a career as an electronics technician. Regions could include the South Wales corridor, Midlands, North East, Scotland and beyond. IPC support means the event can tap into global best practices and ensure consistency in quality and outcomes.
Debbie concluded: “The dream is to run these every quarter in different parts of the country. Wherever there’s demand, we’ll go.”
Practical solution to a pressing problem
In an era of high-level discussions about STEM, automation and digital transformation, the Insight into Electronics Manufacturing event is refreshingly grounded. It focuses on people, practical skills and making the industry accessible. It’s also an inspiring example of industry-led action.
Rather than waiting for government programmes or education reforms, ART, IPC, Jaltek and NanoES have decided to lead by doing. It’s that kind of thinking—innovative, inclusive and hands-on—that will build the technician workforce of the future.
Event summary
Event name: Insight into Electronics Manufacturing
Organisers: A.R.T., IPC, Jaltek Systems, NanoES
Date: Wednesday 2 April 2025
Location: Jaltek Systems, Luton, Bedfordshire
Sessions: Morning (from 9.30am) and Afternoon (from 1.30pm)
Cost: FREE (registration required)
Who Should Attend: Jobseekers, students, career changers, returners, educators
Activities Include:
Industry talks and success stories
Practical soldering workshop with take-home project
Local job fair with live vacancies
Factory tour of Jaltek Systems
Free giveaways and refreshments
Register now at: https://rework.co.uk/blog/insight-into-electronics-manufacturing-workshop-job-fair/
