Minneapolis, MN - The Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) and Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College are pleased to announce the launch of a new collaboration to provide professional development training workshops through the SMTA organization.

The new partnership will serve the needs of individuals seeking certifications in the area of Lean Six Sigma, Leadership, and Quality training. In addition, the workshops will be made available directly to SMTA members, corporations and other organizations with the goal to enhance employee performance and provide management training.

“We are very excited to be partnering with Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College,” said SMTA Conference and Education Manager, Jenny Ng. “Our partnership is designed to provide program participants access to internationally renowned, industry-oriented learning and certification from one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world."

“There is clearly a need for continuing professional development during a career lifetime and our programs will enhance employee engagement, staff retention and increase performance. These workshops will help our members and other companies align with the demands of the modern workforce, leveraging innovative education collaborations and distance learning technologies.”

Dr. Ron Lasky, Director of Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth says that professional development initiatives are applicable to: “Building knowledge and developing the skills for career advancement that are essential, and our programs provide a flexible path to earn these valuable credentials.” The ability to offer our programs in a combination of live-online and in-classroom instruction provides a convenient learning process that encourages dialog, involvement and support. Improving and expanding professional skillsets is an asset that has indispensable value for employers as well as employees.”

This training initiative provides a user-friendly web-based interface and direct access to instructors with deep industry expertise. These workshops offer corporate clients and individuals access to a variety of specific training.

“Our commitment is to maintain the superior quality of our program, regardless of the methods we choose to deliver content.” - Dr. Lasky