As a nationally recognized leader in the optics and photonics industry, Metro Orlando is home to a strong and qualified workforce in this specialized realm. Much of this national prominence is thanks to the University of Central Florida's College of Optics & Photonics - one of the world's top graduate institutions in this field - and its two research centers: the Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL) and the Florida Photonics Center for Excellence (FPCE), which offers masters and doctoral degrees.
Despite this distinct advantage, skilled workers are still in high demand for this growing industry. In particular, there remains a strong need for qualified workers with two-year degrees to work as laser technicians, both here in Central Florida and across the U.S.
But help is on the way! Tired of spending money to recruit technicians from out-of-state, Northrop Grumman Laser Systems is working with other local companies, your EDC, Valencia Community College (VCC) and Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) to address the workforce dilemna. The result ... the new Photonics Academy at Wekiva High School.
Through the Academy--slated to begin classes in the 2009-2010 school year--students interested in careers as laser/photonics technicians will be dual enrolled at Wekiva High School and VCC. Upon graduation from high school, students will also receive their A.S. degree in photonics from VCC, allowing graduates to immediately enter the workforce with a high-tech skill set. Many local photonics companies also plan to offer tuition assistance programs to existing employees, enabling their technicians to earn the training and degrees they need with little or no out-of-pocket expense.
According to the Florida Photonics Cluster, an industry trade association based in Orlando, about 150 area companies employ a total of 170 photonics technicians. Such jobs typically pay between $45,000 and $70,000 annually. The goal of the Academny is to fill the 20 to 40 photonics technician jobs created in Central Florida annually.
The newly created Photonics Academy is another great example of what makes Metro Orlando the nation's Center for Excellence in Optics & Photonics.
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