The National Precision Optics Skill Standards for Technicians

Education and Training for Precision Optics Technicians

A New OP-TEC Initiative for Precision Optics Technicians

OP-TEC is pleased to announce the receipt of a supplemental grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to explore the need and feasibility for a national, multi-year project to initiate college programs to educate Precision Optics Technicians. 

Background:

Precision Optics Technicians (POTs) create and test optical (infrared, visible and ultraviolet) components that are used in lasers and sophisticated electro-optical systems for defense, homeland security, aerospace, biomedical equipment, digital displays, controlled nuclear fusion and nanotechnology. POTs also integrate precision optical components into these electro-optical systems and maintain them.

Precision Optics Technician Shortage:

There is a forecasted shortage of POTs that could require our country to outsource this work to foreign nations— a situation that would compromise our nation’s security and sacrifice a vital sector of future economic development.

Contributing Factors:

1) Loss of experienced POTs in the United States
2) Only a few colleges created programs in Optical Fabrication
3) No known educational programs in two-year colleges still prepare new POTs
4) Precision Optics education/training is much more than just a “craft worker apprenticeship” experience
5) United States military, defense and homeland security rely on a domestic source for Precision Optics

OP-TEC Initiative:

Through funding provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF), OP-TEC will:
1)  quantify how many POTs are needed now and for the next six years;
2)  determine what knowledge and skills these technicians should possess;
3)  identify teams of colleges and employers willing to initiate educational programs to prepare POTs;
4)  design a comprehensive initiative that would encourage and support colleges to develop the capacity for preparing POTs; and,
5)  secure sufficient funding to carry out the developmental effort.

OP-TEC Precision Optics Technician Education Resources:

The National Precision Optics Skill Standards for Technicians (CORD, 2009) are now available! Download a free copy today!
OP-TEC has released The National Precision Optics Skill Standards for Technicians. Please click here to for more information, to download a free copy of the standards or to request a complimentary bound copy!

Download the Precision Optics Initiative Information Brochure!
Click here to download the Information brochure (PDF file) about OP-TEC’s Precision Optics Initiative!

Contact OP-TEC!
Please contact us to support this critical initiative or to request more information! Click here to e-mail us now!

View Letters of Support for the Current NSF Funding Proposal (October 2010):

Colleges

Center for Advanced Photonics Technology Laborator at University of Colorado Denver (CO)
Community College of Denver (CO)
Indian River State College (FL)
Monroe Community College (NY)

Industry Associations

American Precision Optics Manufacturers Association
Colorado Photonics Industry Association (CO)
Florida Photonics Cluster (FL)
Rochester Regional Photonics Cluster (NY)

Employers

AccuCoat, Inc. (NY)
Angstrom Precision Optics, Inc. (NY)
Apollo Optical Systems (NY)
ASE Optics, Inc. (NY)
Corning Tropel (NY)
CVI Melles Griot (NY)
G-S Plastic Optics (NY)
Infotonics Technology Center, Inc. (NY)
ITT Geospatial Systems (NY)
JENOPTIK Optical Systems, Inc. (FL)
JK Consulting (NY)
JML Optical Industries, Inc. (NY)
Kessler Optics & Photonics Solutions, Ltd. (NY)
Lumetrics, Inc. (NY)
New Scale Technologies, Inc. (NY)
Northrop Grumman Laser Systems (FL)
Optimax Systems, Inc. (NY)
OptiPro Systems (NY)
Optics Technology, Inc. (NY)
Photon Gear, Inc. (NY)
Qioptiq, Inc. (NY)
Rochester Precision Optics (NY)
SCHOTT North America Advanced Optics (FL)
Semrock, Inc. (NY)
Sydor Optics, Inc. (NY)
Syntec Optics (NY)
Tower Optical Corporation (FL)
VLOC (FL)