PCBCraft certificate program

PCBCraft is southeast Michigan’s first certificate program for training electrical/computer engineers and technicians in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design, manufacturing, and testing. PCBs are crucial in the semiconductor value chain, integrating chips like microcontrollers and sensors into functional modules. They are essential in all electronic systems, from consumer electronics to advanced instruments. Most PCBs are made in Asia, with US production dropping from 30% to 4% in 25 years while China’s share rose from 8% to 54%. The global PCB industry is expected to grow from $71.57 billion in 2024 to $120 billion by 2032. Supply chain issues and geopolitical concerns highlight the need for US-based PCB design and manufacturing. Michigan's mobility industry needs PCB engineers. Modern vehicles use over 100 PCBs with 1,500+ chips for functions like engine control and infotainment. As vehicles become electric and autonomous, the demand for complex PCBs will grow. Michigan will need thousands of skilled PCB engineers and technicians. The industry faces a 78% loss of PCB designers due to retirements in the next 15 years, making it crucial to develop workforce training program. The PCBCraft program, developed with advisement from our industrial advisory board, addresses SE Michigan's workforce needs by organizing two activities, both of which can lead to industry certifications in PCB design.

Program offerings

20-hour summer workshop in printed circuit board design
3 credit undergraduate/graduate course in PCB design.

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Design for Performance and Manufacturability summer workshop, offered with other CareerCraft Workshops. In this free 20 hour workshop, students learn how to create efficient and manufacturable PCB layouts from industry experts, with a focus on best practices for performance optimization. Offered in partnership with PCEA-Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA), this course is a first step towards PCEA industry certification.

New Graduate/Undergraduate course at WSU. This 3-credit course will be offered in Winter 2025, including a more in-depth version of the workshop, as well as hands on lab experiences that teach students how to manufacture PCBs. Students in the course will earn credits towards an undergraduate or graduate degree. They will also be able to earn the PCEA industry certification.

Interested in learning more?

Students and working professionals looking to build careers in PCB design, and electrical engineers who need experience in electronics manufacturing are encouraged to reach out to Amar Basu, Ph.D., Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering for more information.

Funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation