Manufacturing Week - Sophea Hang

Sophea Hang, a machine operator at Eden Prairie’s Compass Electronics Solutions (CES), is using apprenticeship’s on-the-job and classroom training to lead to a better future.

The CES apprenticeship provides classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Hang learns all facets of the circuit card assembly process which provides flexibility to work in different departments at the company. 

“The difference between a non-apprentice and an apprentice is that an apprentice will seek out answers and want to learn. They ask questions. The program makes the apprentices more valuable to the company,” said Vee Sar, apprentice program manager at CES. 

Hang and her family left Cambodia in 1988 to come to the United States. Hang credits her parents for the sacrifices they made to bring her and her five siblings to America. 

Refugees and immigrants like Hang can face barriers in the workplace, such as English proficiency and cultural differences that can impact competition and consideration for wages, promotions or leadership positions. 

The apprenticeship has opened opportunities that Hang thought were not possible. Excited about the bright future she sees for herself, she shares what she learns during her classes with her family and friends, including posting photos of her projects on social media. 

“When people ask me about the program, I tell them if you have something in mind you want to follow and achieve, or you want to be, just stay focused, do your research, ask people questions, be patient and work hard. You will get there,” she said.

Apprenticeships are an “earn while you learn” program where apprentices earn a wage while learning their trade. 

“You can be a busy parent, get paid while you learn, and once you complete the apprenticeship, your opportunities to be promoted are increased,” Sar said. 

The apprenticeship has also helped increase Hang’s confidence. She is happy and optimistic about her future at CES.  “I would like to be a leader and help people,” she said. 

Hang, a mother of three is excited about introducing her children to the advantages of apprenticeship and is urging her teenage son to apply for an apprenticeship. 

“I have a key now to unlock a lot that I didn’t know before,” Hang said. She wants to use that key to open doors for others including three of her five siblings who she recruited to work for CES. 

Bruce Goerts, CES general manager, manufacturing operations, added that the program has also elevated customer satisfaction. “We have seen the improvement in the quality of products,” he said.