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Summer Optics Workshops at MCC (June 21-July 7)

The Optical Systems Technology program at Monroe Community College will be conducting two Optics Workshops this summer:

  • Diamond Turning Workshop, June 21–July 7, 8:00 AM–12:30 PM
  • Magnetorheological Finishing (MRF) Workshop, June 21–July 7, 1:30 PM–6:00 PM

Each 40-hour workshop will be conducted over 3 weeks, 3 days per week, 4.5 hours per day, beginning June 21, 2022.

Diamond Turning
• Mornings 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM EDT
• Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
• June 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, July 5, 6, 7, 2022

Magnetorheological Finishing (MRF)
• Afternoons 1:30 to 6:00 PM EDT
• Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
• June 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, July 5, 6, 7, 2022

See the flyers linked above for Program Highlights and Prerequisites, along with links to the Online Application Forms. The forms are course-specific. These hands-on workshops will be limited to 10 participants per workshop.

The cost will be $1,260 per participant. Funding opportunities are available for qualified participants.

Please email Ross Micali, National Work Based Learning Coordinator, MCC Optical Systems Technology, at rmicali@monroecc.edu if you have any questions.

APOMA General Meeting at SPIE DCS!

We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming SPIE DCS (Defense + Commercial Sensing) conference in Orlando, FL in April!  APOMA’s General Meeting will be held on Wed. April 6th, from 8:30AM-9:30AM at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in the St. George 108 Room, Atrium level.

APOMA Alert! Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus to hold first event on 10/27/21 via Zoom

WORKFORCE CHALLENGES & LIGHTING A PATH TO SUCCESS

Virtual event – Registration required!  Click the link above for full event details.

The Congressional Optics & Photonics (O&P) Caucus will hold its first policy discussion next week on October 27, 2021 at 12Noon (Eastern) to discuss workforce development challenges in our industry.

APOMA members, both large and small, have dealt with hiring shortages for skilled technicians for years and this challenge has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing workforce shortages in our rapidly growing industry is critical to maintaining US leadership in this innovative, global market.

Reminder – APOMA Special Events are planned for Optifab on 10/20!

APOMA General Meeting
October 20, 2021 ∙ 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM, Joseph A Floreano Riverside Convention Center, Highland E/F

Items on the agenda include:
Available Training Grant Funds
New Optics Manufacturing Apprenticeship and insight about upcoming panel
Optics Quality Standard Progress
AmeriCOM authorization and status
Relevant International Trade Regulations
Proposed mentorship program

Panel Discussion on Funding and Support to Establish Registered Apprenticeships to Address Critical Workforce Shortages
October 20, 2021 ∙ 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM, Joseph A Floreano Riverside Convention Center, Exhibition Hall

A lively panel discussion to address the needs and challenges of optics apprenticeships for the Optical Fabrication Industry. Funding is available for manufacturers that would like to participate, but the program expires in September of 2022. If you’ve been on the fence about an apprenticeship program at your facility – the time to act is NOW!

APOMA Unveils New MCC Apprenticeship Video!

Interested in an apprenticeship program for your business? Not quiet sure what it entails? Guess what– there’s a video for that!!

Click HERE to check out the new APOMA MCC Apprenticeship video!

Hear first hand from Dr. Alexis Vogt what the steps are in the process, and see testimonials from Zach Hobbs at Sydor Optics and Kirk Warden at LaCroix Precision Optics. Becoming a Nationally Registered Sponsor for the U.S. Department of Labor approved Optics Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship is easier than you think!