Recently, a friend asked me if I knew any PCB design masters who take apprentices. I replied that I do, and asked if he wanted a recommendation.
“Is there a fee?” he asked, which caught me a bit off guard.
“Yes, the specific fee needs to be discussed with the master,” I answered.
He countered, “Isn’t it common for apprenticeships to be free? And they even get paid?”
This made me realize that many people have misconceptions about the learning paths in the PCB design industry.
In the PCB design industry, there are indeed two completely different learning methods:
1. Paid Learning: This means you pay tuition to an experienced master or training institution to systematically learn PCB design skills. The master will invest time and effort specifically to guide you, imparting industry experience and techniques.
2. Company Apprenticeship: This means you work as an apprentice in a company, which may pay you a basic salary, but you need to take on some basic tasks, such as assisting with design, while learning on the job.
Why is paid learning the norm?
There are several reasonable reasons why professional PCB design masters charge for apprenticeships:
Time Cost: Masters need to invest a significant amount of time in one-on-one guidance, which could otherwise be spent on projects to earn money. Knowledge Value: The experience and skills accumulated by the master over many years have actual commercial value. Equipment Resources: Professional software and equipment may be required during the learning process, all of which incur costs. Systematic Teaching: Paid learning usually has a complete curriculum, leading to higher learning efficiency.
Why can apprentices earn a salary in a company?
Apprentices can earn a salary in a company because:
1. You are actually working for the company, creating value. 2. Learning is integrated with work, and the progress may be slower. 3. The company bears the social responsibility of training new talent. 4. A work agreement for a certain period is usually required.
How to choose the right path for yourself? If you:
· Want to learn quickly and systematically → Choose paid training.
· Are not in a hurry to find a job and want to learn while working → Look for apprenticeship opportunities.
· Have limited financial resources → Consider a company apprenticeship.
· Want to focus on learning without work distractions → Paid learning is more suitable.
No matter which method you choose, PCB design is a skill that requires long-term accumulation.
The important thing is to find a learning path that suits you and to practice and improve consistently.
Previous Highlights:
1.A former hardware engineer colleague said he hasn’t improved technically, but his flattery skills have certainly advanced.2. A client wanted me to design a circuit board during the Qingming holiday, but I refused and resolutely chose to return home to pay respects.3. A client wanted to pay 100 yuan for me to design a circuit board, then sell it to him for 10 yuan each.4. I didn’t have time to take on this PCB design, so I reluctantly recommended it to an online friend.5. Quoted 100 yuan, and peers said it disrupts the market; quoted 1000 yuan, and the client said it disrupts the market.It starts with “Looking“It is sincere to “Like“It is to “Reward“Finally “Share“