----- Original Message ----- From: "Joseph Bento" To: "Microcontroller discussion list - Public." Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 1:21 PM Subject: [EE] IPC J-Std Soldering > Hey all, > > I have recently found myself among the unemployed. I reported to work > on March 19, and upper management and the CEO were in the tech > center. They called an all-hands meeting around 8:30 after everyone > had arrived, and proceeded to tell the 15 of us that the tech center > was being terminated along with our jobs. > > I worked for this company for nearly three years, assembling and > troubleshooting engineering prototypes. I am skilled at SMT soldering > and rework down to about 0.4mm, but do not hold a J-Std > certification. In the past, proof or demonstration of my skills was > sufficient, as was my nearly 10 years of military electronics > experience. Apparently no longer - the labor market is so voltile, > and the job descriptions are far more exacting. Potential employers > won't even make a consideration unless you are a perfect match for > every point in the job description. > > How does one obtain their J-Std or other certifications unless their > employer obtains the training? I haven't been able to find many > references that include individual career development, nor have I > found anything that looks remotely affordable for an unemployed > technician. > > Thanks > > Joe > Joe, Have you checked IPC.org web site for info on training? If not, check under the Knowledge tab, then Training and Certification. Several places around the country provide training. Ideally, try getting with a company that will test your skills, then pay for you to receive the training. Check out government contractors, particularly. If you are good enough and demonstrate the right attitude, they may also pay for you to become a trainer. Good Luck. Richard -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist