POM Apprenticeship Program

ONGOING EDUCATION ―

POM Apprenticeship Program

The Optimax Precision Optics Manufacturing (POM) Apprenticeship program was created to prepare technicians for a rewarding, long-term career in precision optics manufacturing. As part of upskilling the workforce in developing optics fabrication technicians, this apprenticeship program will help the industry and Optimax continue to manage and sustain workforce growth.

The program consists of three-year on-the-job training (OJT) rotations throughout all the departments at Optimax to prepare employees with the skills that will help them become productive and technically savvy precision optics manufacturing technicians.

Topics

Each apprenticeship will be structured around the qualifications and needs of the apprentice but will include time spent in every department at Optimax, with a focus on the following topics:

Grinding
Polishing
Generating

Materials
R&D
Sales
Coating
Quality
Assembly
Finishing

Goals

The overall goal of this apprenticeship program is being able to obtain the skills and qualifications needed to be a highly effective optical technician:

Materials
Optical fabrication process

Bulk materials
Manufacturing and testing
Optical Metrology
Assembly
Coatings

Qualifications

Must be a current Optimax employee
Application – apply and complete an interview process
Education – must have a High School Diploma or GED

Complete ACT WorkKeys test (a min. score of 5 is required for math applications and a min. score of 4 is required on the reading for information and locating information tests)
Complete a spatial/visual aptitude test

Education

In addition to the rotation, each apprentice must take two classes from a community college each year that relate to optics manufacturing. Tuition costs are reimbursed by Optimax.