On the move for workforce development

From classrooms to career fairs, the AmeriCOM Workforce team has been out in the community helping young people discover opportunities in advanced manufacturing and optics:

  • AmeriCOM hosted a booth at ROC With Your Hands, a hands-on career exploration event organized by the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA).
  • At SPIE Optifab Student Day, AmeriCOM staff engaged one-on-one with nearly 400 students attending the conference to explore optics careers and meet industry leaders.
  • AmeriCOM and Monroe Community College’s Optics Technology program joined forces at the RochesterWorks Career Exploration Fair to share career opportunities in optics and manufacturing.
  • The team joined Senator Pam Helming and Wayne County Community Schools to discuss how schools and businesses can partner to create opportunities for students and strengthen the local economy.
  • Meetings with RochesterWorks Youth Services and the Rochester City School District’s Career and Technical Education department led to plans for future collaboration to support students entering the workforce.
  • The workforce team participated in the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce’s, Your Future Talent Pipeline program, which helps businesses partner with the Chamber to provide employment opportunities for today’s youth and tomorrow’s workforce.
  • Donna Smith, AmeriCOM’s Science Educator Liaison, presented to New York State teachers at the National Rural STEM Conference, highlighting the need for technicians and the career opportunities in the optics industry.

AmeriCOM’s Donna Smith and Abbey Helfer from MCC meet with students at RTMA’s “ROC With Your Hands” event.

AmeriCOM’s Chief Scientist, Justin Sigley, (left) and Optical Technician, Jeff Iorio, share career opportunities and meet with students.

Nearly 400 high school and college students attended the SPIE Optifab conference in Rochester, NY. Led by Monroe Community College’s Optical Systems program, students met with representatives from optics and photonics companies to explore career paths in these industries.