ATLANTA – ECIA Foundation announced the release of Phase II of its PACE e-learning modules. The PACE training program is a members only e-learning set of modules that explains the basics of the electronic components industry to new employees.

Phase II of the program consists of five new courses covering the following topics:

• Supply Chain Management: The Hidden Value of Distributors
• Establishing the Distribution Strategy: Supplier Needs vs. Customer Wants
• CRM, ERP and More: The Platforms Powering the Digital Supply Chain
• Demystifying Sales: Pricing, Roles and More
• Driving the Future with Electronics: Evolving Industries and Applications

The program is named the Paul Andrews Continuous Education (PACE) training after the founder of distributor TTI who passed away early in 2021. ECIA Foundation President Jim Kaplan saw the funding of this training initiative as a way for the industry to honor Mr. Andrews. Working with ECIA service partner Lectrix Group, the introductory five courses and an interactive platform were created. Since its launch in May 2022, the program has seen more than 1,000 learners and received positive reviews.

"The response to this program has far exceeded our expectations and is a testament to Jim and the foundation board’s vision and passion about inspiring the next generation," said David Loftus, ECIA president and CEO. "It was intended to capture and underline the importance of the channel to the broader tech industry. This curriculum provides the next generation of electronic component industry champions a baseline working knowledge of our industry, and that will help attract and retain the talent that is so essential to our member companies."

Phase I courses cover the basics of the electronic component channel and includes these topics:

• An Introduction to the Electronics Industry: Manufacturers, Independent Manufacturers’ Representatives, and Distributors
• The Supporting Industry Partners
• Taking a Product to Market: How a Component Manufacturer Launches a New Product
• An Introduction to Basic Electronic Components
• Electronics Industry Terms and Conditions

Member companies can gain access to the training by first creating a profile on the ECIA website and then visiting ecianow.org/PACE