MIDLAND, Mich. – Dow is launching an updated training program that helps its distribution partners learn more about silicone materials and their uses in electronics protection and assembly applications. The training program adds new online learning modules in addition to the in-person sessions that have been held regularly at Dow facilities and labs.For more than 30 years, Dow has offered training to enable distributors to expand their knowledge and, in turn, help their customers become more successful. The Kent R. Larson Dow Electronics Protection & Assembly Academy was named in honor of the application specialist who has been instrumental in enhancing and promoting this silicone training program. He continues to be part of the training team today.
Previously, the Academy training was a weeklong session at a Dow location that included market-focused presentations, hands-on lab demonstrations and knowledge sharing with Dow silicone application specialists. The new Academy includes interactive, remote-learning modules that accommodate each student’s own pace and schedule.
“Basic and intermediate information will be shared with students in the weeks and months ahead of their scheduled in-person training,” said Jaime Rabell, Regional Commercial Director. “They can work through these prerequisite modules, review the information and prepare for their week at Dow. The online, self-paced learning allows us to free up time during the on-site training for even more valuable sessions and hands-on demonstrations. We’re excited about taking the training to new levels.”
The Level 1 modules are currently available for enrolled students. They cover application opportunities for electronic protection and assembly, the different degrees of protection, combining layers of protection, the comparison of protective materials (acrylics, epoxies, urethanes and silicones), and the advantages and benefits of silicones.
Level 2 modules are in development, with their availability expected in late 2021. Level 2 looks at five silicone product lines in electronics protection and assembly: gels and encapsulants, conformal coatings, adhesives and sealants, thermally-conductive materials, and compression gasketing. Each of these product lines are covered individually by looking at the product family’s purpose, when to use, how to use, equipment/processing, common applications, details on product selection, helpful tips and case studies.
After students successfully complete Level 1 and Level 2 training prerequisites, they are eligible to attend the in-person Level 3 training at a Dow facility.
“At Dow, we have a long history of engaging with our distributors and customers, making sure we share critical knowledge, answer questions and provide solutions,” said Kent Larson, principal TS&D scientist at Dow. “We don’t just innovate … we educate whenever we can. This Academy is another way we can support the electronics and advanced assembly industries. We are proud to offer an expanded curriculum and a richer experience with this new version of the Academy.”
About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation and leading business positions to achieve profitable growth. The Company’s ambition is to become the most innovative, customer centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company, with a purpose to deliver a sustainable future for the world through our materials science expertise and collaboration with our partners. Dow’s portfolio of plastics, industrial intermediates, coatings and silicones businesses delivers a broad range of differentiated science-based products and solutions for its customers in high-growth market segments, such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer care. Dow operates 106 manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employs approximately 35,700 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $39 billion in 2020. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.dow.com or follow @DowNewsroom on Twitter.
For further information, please contact:
Eileen Zeng
Dow
+86.21.3851.1604
eyzeng@dow.com