(Rochester , NY) – Monroe Community College, Monroe County and optics manufacturers in the greater Rochester area this morning announced a partnership to offer a new industry-certified training program that will match students to job openings.


“We’re offering a tailored educational program that addresses an identified need in our community for better qualified optical fabrication technicians,” said R. Thomas Flynn, MCC president. “In turn, this program will give the area’s current and future employees dual training in optical fabrication and precision machining, two industries with an expressed need for workers.”


Local optics manufacturers estimate they will need about 100 workers each year over the next five years. “We are currently experiencing a shortage in the labor pool – in technicians, engineers and experienced sales staff,” said Thomas Battley, Rochester Regional Photonics Cluster executive director. “There is stiff competition among the regions of the world that specialize in optics, photonics and imaging. Regions that capitalize on the demand for skilled workers will be the ones who prosper.”


“Monroe County is proud to partner with MCC, optics manufacturers, and RochesterWorks! on this important job training and placement program,” said Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks. “Optics is a fast growing industry in our area and we must ensure that companies have the skilled workers they need to compete and succeed in the global economy.”


Training funds to participate in the program will be made available to eligible candidates through RochesterWorks!
The program bundles existing courses in optical systems technology and precision machining. The result enables students to pursue jobs in either industry; it allows for an easier transition of workers already skilled in a precision machining trade into the optics industry; and, it gives applicable training to men and women who want to quickly get into the workforce.


Successful completion of the credit program will give students an industry-approved certification. MCC is pursuing approval for an academic certificate through the state Department of Education. For more details, call Bob Lasch, program coordinator for applied technologies, at 585.292.3748 or the Workforce Development Office at 585.262.1430.


The announcement was made at JML’s new 110,000 square foot facility, at 820 Linden Ave. in Rochester, which was acquired as a result of the recent growth.