The first-ever Summer Work Experience for Youth at MCC (July 16-Aug. 24) aims to expose Rochester students ages 16-20 to occupations in precision machining and put them on the path to advanced manufacturing careers.

Students become familiar with the tools and processes of manual metal fabrication through classroom instruction, hands-on lab projects and visits to company worksites.

MCC works with the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association to develop the curriculum and arrange company tours. About 15 candidates will be selected by the City of Rochester for the program and receive a stipend.

Currently, Rochester-area businesses are in urgent need of qualified workers and are bracing for further labor shortage as more than 50 percent of the current optics workforce in the U.S. will retire over the next decade.