Front Range Community College is offering a new program in Optics Technology—one of a small handful of similar programs in the nation—and the only one in Colorado.
Boulder County is the regional hub for the optics and photonics industry in the Rocky Mountain region—one of just four such hubs in the U.S. There is a critical shortage of trained optics technicians nationwide. FRCC’s new program is designed to create a talent pipeline for area businesses—training people to work in the optics field, and helping to fuel the local economy.
What is optics technology? Optics and photonics are specialized fields of physics and engineering—based on the science of light. But you don’t need to be a physicist or engineer to become an optics technician. Precision optics are everywhere in the world around us—in devices from cell phones and computers to virtual reality systems and space telescopes.
Want to find out more? FRCC is hosting an information session to share the details of the new program with prospective students and interested community members. Local optics businesses and manufacturers will be available to talk about what they do, discuss job opportunities and career pathways in optics, and to answer questions.
INFORMATION SESSION
Members of the community are invited to stop in anytime during the event.
What: Optics Technology Program Information
When: Thursday, November 15 | 5:00pm-7:00pm
Where: Front Range Community College-Boulder County Campus
2121 Miller Drive in Longmont
(Classroom Building—Community Room)
Contact: George Newman, FRCC Advanced Manufacturing Program Director
Office: 303-678-3792
Email: george.newman@frontrange.edu
Jobs in optics pay well. Salaries for optics technicians range from $42,000 (entry level) to $75,000 (experienced) per year. When students complete the FRCC program, they’ll be qualified for jobs as:
- Laser Technicians
- Optics Technicians
- Photonics Technicians
Precision optics have a profound impact on our day-to-day lives. Optics technology is used in:
- Military vehicles
- Space exploration
- Satellites/imaging
- Solar power installations
- Medical equipment
- Computers
- Video games
- Robotics
- Digital music
To find out more, please join us for our information session!
About Front Range Community College
FRCC offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs from locations in Boulder County, Larimer County, Westminster, Brighton, and online. FRCC is a member of the Colorado Community College System.
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, serving 138,000 students annually at 13 colleges and 39 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives techop[have access to quality higher education opportunities.optics
