Sunburst Electronics Benefits Competitively from eBizITPA's Apprentice Program for High-Tech Businesses and Students

Sunburst Electronics, an Erie, Pa., contract manufacturer of electronic controls, remains competitive during the transition to RoHS compliance through eBizITPA's Engineering Apprentice Program.

Erie, PA (PRWEB) April 19, 2006 -- Competition is more fierce than ever in the electronics industry, and both its companies and aspiring students need an edge to succeed in the race. That’s where the story of Sunburst Electronics and Jonathan Bender (a Penn State Behrend undergrad) comes in. They are benefiting from a unique opportunity -- eBizITPA’s Engineering Apprentice Program.

Designed to connect talented students and high-tech companies developing new products and/or systems, eBizITPA’s Engineering Apprentice Program awards eligible businesses with up to 650 hours of apprentice/intern support. Additionally, participating students realize a significant career boost from on-the-job experience that extends beyond traditional, entry-level assignments.

Sunburst Electronics, an Erie-based contract manufacturer of electronic controls for applications such as avionics, machinery, transportation and medical devices, hired Bender as its first eBizITPA intern for a critical reason—RoHS compliance. Perhaps the electronics industry’s greatest challenge ever, RoHS regulations (instituted by the European Union) mandate lead-free production of Europe-bound electronic products, effective July 1, 2006. “Using the eBizITPA program is helping us remain competitive during the transition to RoHS compliance,” said Dennis Cantoni, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Sunburst Electronics. “Gaining ground on a six-year growth track, we’re also on the lookout for talented students we can hire after graduation, and internships are an excellent way to connect with them.”

Bender, on his way to earning a B.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology and soon to complete his apprenticeship, indicated, “The number one benefit of working at Sunburst (through eBizITPA) is the real world experience I’ve acquired in electronic engineering technology. Learning how an engineering office operates efficiently and gaining electrical component knowledge are new experiences that classrooms cannot provide.”

According to Gerry Schneggenburger, eBizITPA’s Manager of Advanced IT Development, “Sunburst Electronics was selected to participate in eBizITPA’s Engineering Apprentice Program because the level of investment and labor required to comply with RoHS is very significant. EBizITPA assistance applies to businesses that have other product design and support needs, as well; and our overarching purpose is to help software and systems businesses grow and stay competitive through the use of and partnership with university-based talent.”

The Engineering Apprentice Program is just one of four components within eBizITPA’s Advanced IT Development Assistance Program, and available assistance and funding is awarded on a competitive basis.

Originally targeting northwestern Pennsylvania businesses, eBizITPA (http://www.ebizitpa.org), is expanding its reach to Keystone Innovation Zones throughout the central and western parts of the state.
                                                                        
EDITOR'S NOTE: Certified to ISO 9001:2000, Sunburst Electronics specializes in developing electronic assemblies (printed circuit boards, chassis assembly, cables and harnesses) for industrial machinery, control and measurement applications, instrumentation, avionics, transportation, transducers and medical devices, among others.

In 2003, Sunburst was recognized as “Manufacturing Employer of the Year” by the Economic Development Corporation of Erie County.

The company houses its operations in a 31,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility based in Erie, Pa., and maintains a separately staffed, 4,000-square-foot repair center specializing in end-of-life product management.

Originally founded in 1975 by Robert Heiges, Sunburst was purchased by Bliley Technologies, Inc., in 1986. Bliley (http://www.bliley.com) is a manufacturer of quartz crystals and crystal oscillators used in the telecommunications, military and space industries.

For more information, visit http://www.sunburstelectronics.com, or call or write Sunburst Electronics at 420 East Bayfront Parkway, Erie, Pa., 16507-1456. Phone: (814) 461-9120.

CONTACT:
Dennis Cantoni
(814) 461-9120

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