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Biden’s Visit Shines a Spotlight on “Middle-Skills” Job Training
Jan 30, 2014

Bidens’ visit put a focus on training for “middle-skills” jobs.

Biden’s Visit Shines a Spotlight on “Middle-Skills” Job Training

1391027205005-JG-012914-Biden-6-1-1Vice President Joe Biden’s recent visit to Rochester highlighted a vital aspect of workforce development: preparing workers for “middle-skills” jobs, which require more education than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree. In his visit to Monroe Community College (MCC), Biden praised efforts to equip students with the skills they need for roles in high-demand industries, including optics and photonics—a sector in which Optimax Systems, Inc. plays a leading role.

These middle-skills positions, such as optics technicians, are crucial for the manufacturing and tech-driven sectors that power local economies. Biden recognized the collaborative approach of MCC, the Rochester Regional Photonics Cluster (RRPC), and optics companies like Optimax in developing hands-on, targeted job training programs. By investing in these programs, companies and educational institutions are creating pathways to stable, well-paying careers while addressing the skills gap facing industries that rely on technical precision.

Optimax has long been a champion of this workforce development model. The company partners with MCC and other local educational institutions to help design programs that reflect real-world industry standards. Through apprenticeships, internships, and job-shadowing opportunities, Optimax enables students to gain practical experience that translates directly to roles in optics and photonics manufacturing.

This collaborative effort not only strengthens the workforce but also supports Optimax’s mission of innovation and quality in optics manufacturing. By focusing on middle-skills training, the company helps ensure a steady supply of skilled workers capable of contributing to advancements in fields like aerospace, defense, and medical technology.

For more on Biden’s visit and the emphasis on middle-skills job training, read the full article in the Democrat and Chronicle here - Read More or Watch Video

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