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Workforce

One of the most frequently cited strengths of Metro Orlando is its workforce. Metro Orlando provides a quality pool of employees necessary to meet the needs of the optics and photonics industry and further its innovation, production and growth within the region. The high concentration of talented employees in Metro Orlando bring with them the dedication, education and experience necessary to contribute to the success of the strong cluster of more than 95 optics and photonics companies collectively employing more than 15,000 individuals.

The University of Central Florida’s College of Optics and Photonics and its Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL) provide a constant supply of new, well-trained engineers and technicians, as well as master’s and Ph.D. graduates. Since its founding in 1987, CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics at UCF has conferred more than 500 MS and PhD degrees in optics and photonics, and the University of Central Florida recently conferred several thousand undergraduate, masters and doctoral degrees in fields relating to or is important to the optics and photonics industry, encompassing many interrelated disciplines such as:
  • Optics & photonics
  • Engineering, particularly electrical engineering
    and mechanical engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Biology
  • Material
  • Nanoscience
  • Mathematics
  • Computer Science
In addition, strong programs at local community colleges train students to enter the field in various capacities and help to create a complete workforce pool, including:

  • Engineers
  • Analog Circuit Designers
  • CAD Engineers and Technicians
  • Fiber Measurement Specialists
  • Laser Technicians
  • Manufacturing Process Specialists
  • Optical Coating Technicians
  • Opto-Mechanical Technicians
  • Product Managers
  • Program Managers
  • Project Managers
  • Quality Assurance Specialists
  • R&D Specialists
  • Systems Analysts