With a grant from the Department of Labor (WIRED), MCC is partnering with local optics/photonics companies to develop structured career-path training programs to assist workers to advance their skills and earning potential. This initiative also requires MCC to help expose K-12 students to this industry. On Tuesday (May 21) 10th and 11th grade students from Monroe H.S toured Optimax Systems. Optimax manufactures precision optics for several clients, including the military. The made the camera lens for the Mars rover.
Four teachers accompanied the students, including a physics and math Instructor, technology instructor, work-based learning coordinator, and the coordinator of instruction. Monroe H.S. is exploring the feasibility of starting an Optics Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Jimmy Van Kouwenberg; the company’s training coordinator presented an overview on the optics industry and its various career options. The students asked about the types of skills needed to get a job, opportunities for high school graduates, and pay rates and benefits.
Mike Mandina, President of Optimax, completed the tour by talking with the group and emphasizing that good paying manufacturing jobs are available in Rochester, and the importance of finishing high school. He presented a slide that compared earning potential to the level of education, and another that had a career ladder for management and engineering positions. At the completion of the tour, students were allowed to take the math test that Optimax uses as part of their hiring process.
Ross Micali
Workforce Development
05/23/2008 |