Shoals High School student Isaac Johnson’s experience at ROI’s free Soldering Camp led him to the realization that this precise, hands-on skill would help him if he wanted to work in engineering – or more specifically: On airplanes.
“This camp changed the way I think about technology and future careers,” Johnson said.
Johnson was one of 10 high school students enrolled in the June certification program held at Artisan Electronics in the WestGate@Crane Technology Park. Sponsored by Regional Opportunity Initiatives, this hands-on training provided students with a head start in high-demand fields such as microelectronics, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and more.
Over the course of five days, students learned to solder components onto a circuit board. When completed, the board lit up to show a ‘heartbeat’ pattern. Applying pressure triggered a light that chased around the edge of the board. At the end of the five days, students earned the industry-recognized IPC J-STD-001 certification, gaining valuable skills for future roles in innovative industries.
The certification program was just as meaningful for some parents as it was for their children. Lindsey Douglas said she enjoyed hearing about the new skills her son learned at camp—and seeing the newfound confidence that came with them.
“As a parent, I am grateful that my child had the opportunity to take part in the high school soldering certification camp,” she said.
“This certification can provide a competitive edge and valuable skills that will serve him well in his educational pathway and future journey.”
Shoals High School student Asher Wright said the camp was a valuable experience for him, and that he especially enjoyed learning PCB soldering—attaching electronic components to a printed circuit board.
“I had fun. This camp changed the way I think about technology by giving me a look at what it takes to make different electronics work,” Wright said.
“Igniting students’ interest in advanced technologies —and how they connect to future careers in the Indiana Uplands—is exactly the kind of outcome this camp was designed to achieve,” said Michi McClaine, ROI’s Vice President of Talent Development.
“Programs like the high school soldering certification camp are powerful examples of what’s possible when students in the Indiana Uplands are given hands-on opportunities to explore,” McClaine continued. “For many, this camp sparked new ideas about future careers—and for some, it ignited a passion for fields right here in our region. That kind of exposure is critical to building both confidence and a skilled talent pipeline.”
The spark continued this month for adults. Military members, veterans, and spouses attended a five-day soldering certification training from July 21 to 25. To learn more, check out ROI’s microelectronics education and workforce initiatives.