Occupation: Printed Circuit Board Fabricator

A Printed Circuit Board Fabricator is responsible for manufacturing and assembling various parts and products associated with printed circuit boards (PCBs). They receive, read and understand the complex design specifications to support the fabrication and assembly of PCBs used every day in computers, and other electronic equipment used in various sectors, such as automotive, consumer electronics, defense, and telecommunications. A PCB Fabricator collaborates with team members to ensure the correct operation of design machinery as well as the modification of settings as needed to meet design specifications on automated machinery. 

A PCB fabricator role is a critical and high-demand occupation in light of the Defense Production Act, which accelerates the production of PCBs to support national defense, energy and healthcare industry supply chains.

bare PCBs

Apprentices will be expected to:

  • Operate Machinery and Tooling
  • Review and assemble according to blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
  • Screening
  • Plating
  • Solder Masking
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment
  • Lamination
  • Measure dimensions of completed products to verify conformance to specifications
  • Inspect production equipment
  • Select and Fabricate substrate materials as required by specifications

PCB Fabricator Apprenticeship Curriculum

Core Courses Hours
Apprenticeship Employer Onboarding 16
ESD Control for Electronics  1
Safety for Electronics Manufacturing 1
Foreign Object Debris/Damage 1
Printed Circuit Board Fabrication for Operators 40
IPC 6012 for Operators 8
IPC 6012 Certification Endorsement (CIS)  40
IPC A 600 for Operators 8
IPC A 600 Certification Endorsement (CIS) 40
Total Hours 155