Feb 22, 2003
Manufacturers' Services Limited (MSL), Concord, Mass., and Phoenix International, Fargo, N.D., plan to send many of their EMS program managers to be trained and eventually certified through the extensive 70+ hour program, which is now in its second year. Both companies seek to have their program managers carry the new CEPM (Certified EMS Program Manager) designation that is only earned after successfully completing the program's comprehensive series of courses and passing a final certification examination; a feat 18 EMS program managers recently accomplished.
Todd Braun, senior program manager at Phoenix International, graduated at the top of his class from the inaugural EMS Program Manager Training and Certification Program. After the training, Braun reinforced the value of expanding participation to Phoenix International's other program managers with his top management.
"As a program manager, the interaction with members of the class and the occasion to hear from those who encounter similar situations is extremely important," said Braun. "The contacts made through the program allow participants to create a network to bang ideas off of when things arise. Also, the course content is very good, paralleling other internal and external training sessions I've experienced."
Braun also noted the positive return the program has had on his company: "From the business perspective, the CEPM designation shows our customers that we value excellence in the industry and that we understand the importance of attaining a basic level of competency in skills critical to our mutual business success."
MSL plans to expand its participation globally. Paul King, MSL director of global program management, is investigating the possibility of holding on-site training sessions at his company's locations in Europe and the U.S. King hopes to have as many as 20 of his EMS program managers involved in the training sessions during 2003.
"MSL sees the CEPM designation as a great marketing tool," said King. "It immediately opens up discussions with our customers who quickly realize the level of understanding that our team possesses and the type of service we can then offer."
The next Introduction to the EMS Industry and Program Management session begins April 25-26, 2003, in Chelmsford, Mass. For more information about the EMS Program Manager Training and Certification Program and to register for the upcoming session, visit http://www.ipc.org/html/EMSMgrcert.htm or contact Alexandra Curtis, IPC continuing education manager, at AlexandraCurtis@ipc.org or 847-790-5377.
About IPC
IPC is a Northbrook, Ill.-based trade association dedicated to the competitive excellence and financial success of its more than 2,400 member companies, which represent all facets of the electronic interconnection industry, including design, printed circuit board manufacturing and electronics assembly. As a member-driven organization and leading source for industry standards, training, market research and public policy advocacy, IPC supports programs to meet the needs of a $44 billion U.S. industry employing more than 400,000 people. IPC maintains offices in Taos, N.M.; Washington, D.C.; Garden Grove, Calif.; and Shanghai, China. For more information, visit http://www.ipc.org.
//30//
NR03018MSL&Phoenix
Editors: Please find more information about IPC's EMS Program Manager Training and Certification Program below.
IPC's EMS Program Manager Training and Certification Program
Becoming a Certified EMS Program Manager (CEPM)
IPC-Association Connecting Electronics Industries� recognized the need to provide training and certification for EMS Program Managers. With the input of the IPC EMS Management Council, a four-part training course has been developed to provide EMS Program Managers with a multi-focused education. Upon completion of the requirements, candidates become IPC Certified EMS Program Managers and are able to use the "CEPM" designation after their names.
The program is broken into the following segments:
� Introduction to the EMS Industry and Program Management-Students develop an understanding of EMS program management and the EMS industry. The basics of program and operations management are uncovered through interactive lectures, group discussions and exercises with others in the industry.
� EMS Training I-A self-paced, distance-learning segment that introduces students to basic business concepts through a series of on-line courses provided by SkillSoft. Topics covered in this portion include contracts, finance, budgets and project management.
� EMS Training II-Taught by leaders in the EMS industry, students build on the basic business concepts covered in the previous segment by applying them to specific EMS situations. This session focuses on the EMS industry and prepares students for the real-life situations faced everyday on the job.
� EMS Leadership Training-Co-developed by Penn State University and IPC, this session presents the communication and leadership skills necessary to be an effective EMS Program Manager. The Penn State University Management Development faculty teaches students techniques to influence and lead the individuals involved in any customer project.
� Certification Exam-Candidates are tested to demonstrate a sufficient level of understanding and knowledge about Program Management in the EMS industry.
For more information, contact Alexandra Curtis, IPC continuing education manager, at AlexandraCurtis@ipc.org or 847-790-5377.
»
