MCC optical program has 100% job placement rate

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – The Optical Systems Technology Program at MCC just graduated its largest class ever with a 100 percent job placement rate. Now other companies are adopting its successful model.

"Six years ago, there were 5 students in the program, we now have over 100. But we need—every single year—more than 550 graduates of this program just to fill the need in the Finger Lakes region…it’s wild," said Alexis Vogt, PhD., Professor and Chair of MCC’s Optics Program.

Americom is using the school’s model to help train more optics technicians. Students are easily able to land a job after graduation because there is such a large demand for workers in this field.

"We now have over 120 optics companies in our region but the struggle they all have is a shortage of workforce. Monroe Community College is the only college in the world awarding associate degrees in precision optics which means we have far more jobs available than students to fill them."

"If you’re looking for something to study where you’re guaranteed a job optics is definitely the way to go…it’s also, it’s very engaging work. you’ll never be bored at work," says MCC student, Jaiden Minott.

21 students earned an Associate of Applied Science degree, and 27 others earned a certificate. All of them got a job or a job offer within the optics field by graduation.

Vogt also said that 30 percent of students in the program are women and 28 percent are minorities.