Essential Skills for Precision Electronics
Master Soldering – the Hands-on Agile Training Program
Whether you’re new to soldering, looking to level-up your skills, or need essential qualifications in modern soldering techniques, Agile Group has world-class instructors on site to give you the knowledge, hands-on experience, and certifications you need to succeed. With our state-of-the-art facilities and the latest soldering technology, there’s no better place to upgrade your soldering skills.
Hands-On Demonstrations
At Agile Group, we believe that true mastery comes from hands-on experience. Our soldering instructors combine in-depth lectures with interactive demonstrations that accelerate learning and fully engage each participant in the process. Students develop a comprehensive understanding of soldering techniques and methods through carefully structured practice exercises, ensuring they build confidence and competence.
Participants can assemble and solder practice pieces, working with real-world scenarios that mimic their challenges in the field. Each workmanship sample is meticulously evaluated and graded, providing valuable feedback that helps refine skills and achieve professional-level proficiency. This approach ensures that every student leaves the program with the practical, hands-on experience needed to excel in their careers.
Qualified Instructors
Our Certified IPC Trainers (CIT) are highly qualified and experienced professionals with years of experience in soldering. They understand all process aspects and can provide clear, expert instruction for beginners and veterans alike. Our instructors are each passionate teachers and competent soldering masters who have firsthand experience in the manufacturing field and will exceed expectations to prepare you for your career. Our instructors have obtained theoretical knowledge of the different methods and processes used for soldering operations as industry standards require. Therefore, they can quickly adapt their teaching methods according to your specific needs so that you can better understand the subject matter under study.
Soldering Training Programs
Our soldering training programs offer a broad spectrum of topics designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge for high-quality electronic assembly. Key areas of focus include:
Safety Practices in Soldering:
Safety is our top priority. Our training emphasizes the proper handling and use of soldering equipment, teaching best practices that minimize the risk of injury and prevent damage to electronic components.
Advanced Soldering Techniques:
Through hands-on instruction, we guide participants in mastering advanced soldering techniques such as through-hole and surface mount soldering and rework techniques. Our courses, including J-STD-001 (Soldering Process), IPC-A-610 (Inspection Criteria), IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Wire Harness Assembly), and IPC-7711/7721 (Rework and Repair), provide a solid foundation for advancing your soldering expertise.
Interpreting Circuit Board Schematics:
Understanding and interpreting circuit board schematics is crucial for effective soldering. We teach participants how to identify components and comprehend their placement within a circuit, ensuring assembly accuracy.
Component Identification and Selection:
Selecting the correct components is vital for successful soldering. Our training covers identifying and choosing components like resistors, capacitors, and transistors tailored to the specific requirements of each circuit board.
Properties of Different Solder Types:
Different solders have distinct properties and applications. We provide in-depth instruction on various solder types, including lead-free options, to help participants choose the appropriate solder for each project.
Our customizable training programs are designed to meet the unique needs of your team, ensuring that each participant receives the most relevant and effective training for their specific role. By the end of the program, participants will be proficient in producing high-quality electronics with confidence and precision.
Training Courses
Fundamentals of Soldering
Even if the last time you held a soldering iron was in a high school shop class, the fundamentals of soldering will teach you all the basic soldering skills you need, from using essential tools, materials and techniques, to adhering to safety best practices.
TH (Through-Hole Technology)
Our training program will show you how to mount a PCB with TH soldered components that produce high-reliability applications. We’ll teach you how to inspect and conduct quality control to produce the best possible product.
SMT (Surface Mount Technology)
Enabling PCBs to be manufactured with components mounted directly, SMT allows for a ‘no-drill’ approach that has become a favourite in the world of electronics – a preference reflected in the skills taught in our training program.
Equipment
Our training programs are powered by cutting-edge soldering equipment, ensuring participants have access to the latest technology in the field. From precision soldering stations to advanced inspection tools, every piece of equipment is selected to enhance skill development and accuracy. By working with industry-leading tools, our participants gain hands-on experience that directly translates to improved performance in real-world applications.
Facilities
Our state-of-the-art training facility is designed to foster an environment of focused learning and skill mastery. With a structure that emphasizes both comfort and functionality, our space is meticulously crafted to support hands-on training and collaborative learning. Every aspect of the facility is tailored to heighten the educational experience, ensuring that participants are fully equipped to excel.
Instructor Bios
Diane Graham
Diane has 39 years of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry and obtained her instructor-level soldering and inspection certification and recertification through the Department of Defence (DOD). Beginning her journey at the MCCKC-BTC as a contract trainer, she went on to work at the Broadway Plaza team to develop training guides for students enrolled at the MCCKC campus. Diane has worked on contracts with Honeywell and the Federal Manufacturing and Technology Facility (FM&T) to provide hand solder training, certification and re-certification programs at the Bannister Facility. In 2001, she received her auditor/lead auditor certification in the ISO 9000-2000 series.
John Carter
John Carter has 15 years of experience in the electronics industry. He began his journey with a deep passion for technology that led him to build his first computer at 23. He started his career in component testing and programming, quickly evolving into a focus on advanced manufacturing. John played a critical role in establishing Honeywell’s MIC department, where he developed and facilitated training in Round Wire Cables, Flat Flex Cables, and Secure Electronics. His contributions in these areas earned him multiple awards for excellence. John’s expertise has made him the go-to instructor for soldering at Honeywell, where he continues to lead with dedication and skill. In addition to his professional achievements, John is nearing the completion of his associate’s degree in Electric Science, further enhancing his knowledge and capabilities in the field.
Penney McCubbin
Penney McCubbin has over 20 years of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry, with 13 years focused on inspection, solder instruction, and hands-on electronics manufacturing as an IPC-certified instructor. She began her career in 1990 as a quality inspector and quickly gained recognition for her meticulous approach and dedication to quality. Throughout her career, Penney has received several awards for her contributions to maintaining high standards in the industry. In 2016, Penney transitioned into solder instruction, where she has played a key role in delivering training programs to soldering assemblers, inspectors, and engineering staff. Her deep understanding of IPC standards and her commitment to teaching have made her an invaluable asset to our training team, helping to ensure that students achieve the highest levels of competency in their work.
Teresa Mohn
Teresa has 10 years of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry. She began her career on the production floor before quickly advancing to roles in inspections and auditing. Her keen eye for detail and leadership abilities led her to take on the responsibility of conducting training programs for over 26 procedures, helping to develop the skills of new employees. Since becoming an IPC-certified instructor in 2020, Teresa has been instrumental in working closely with the production line to refine and improve existing training programs. She currently instructs courses in IPC-610, IPC-620, and J-STD-001, where her hands-on experience and dedication to excellence have made her a key asset to our training team.