Advanced Rework Technology Ltd (A.R.T.), the leading independent provider of IPC-certified & bespoke training services for the electronics assembly industry, together with electronics manufacturing trade association, IPC, has named Justyna Mikolajczyk, a technician and veteran electronics assembler with inductive position sensor manufacturer, Zettlex (part of Celera Motion, a Novanta company), as the IPC UK Hand Soldering Champion. This is the fifth consecutive time that Cambridge-based Justyna has won the award. Regional heat winners receive a cash prize plus an expenses-paid trip to compete against up to 20 other champions from around the world in the IPC HSC World Championships at productronica 2025 in Munich, Germany – for the opportunity to be recognized as the best solderer in the world!
The UK contest was held at the Southern Manufacturing & Electronics trade show in Farnborough, attracting more than 20 competitors, from a dozen companies. A.R.T. sponsored, organized and judged the event on behalf of IPC. A.R.T. Director & Master IPC Trainer, John Vickers commented: “We’re thrilled to congratulate Justyna again – her fifth consecutive win as UK champion is quite some achievement! Once again, she produced a fully functional board, completing the assembly in 54 minutes and 10 seconds – and scoring 780 points out of a possible 816. The contest is designed to be challenging enough to put even experienced and skilled soldering technicians to the test, and as such, not all contestants were able to complete a fully functional board in the time allowed – highlighting the value of ongoing skills training at the electronics technician level.”
Sanjay Huprikar, President, Europe & South Asia Operations at IPC added: “We’re delighted to have our first regional winner for the IPC Hand Soldering Competitions in 2025! For an incredible fifth year in a row, Justyna Mikolajczyk from Zettlex has won the UK regional heat – and will now advance to compete at the World Finals at productronica in Munich in November.”
Przemyslaw Marszalek from specialist harsh environment downhole camera designer & manufacturer, VTV Consultants was runner-up, for the second year in a row, scoring 741 points and completing the assembly in 60 minutes.
The Best Company team award was won by Zettlex, with a combined score of 780 points and a combined time of 105 minutes and 10 seconds achieved by its three competitors: Ms. Justyna Mikolajczyk, Ms. Cheryl Stevens, and Ms. Jemma Taylor. A.R.T. offers a range of IPC-certified and bespoke electronics manufacturing courses, held at its state-of-the-art facilities in Witham, Essex, or at customers’ own premises. Find out more at: rework.co.uk
