9.5 college credit fiber optic training program for under- and unemployed women: a private/public/continuing education partnership designed to promote women in fiber optics as a workforce initiative

Abstract

Connecticut photonics related manufacturing companies project a need to hire anywhere from 100 to 1000 new photonics workers over the next several years. Despite this incredible demand, Three Rivers Community College offered an associate degree program in Photonics Engineering Technology, a 9.5 college credit Fiber Optics training program for 14 unemployed and underemployed women in central Connecticut. The course, designed with curriculum assistance from Connecticut companies, will provide education and training needed to qualify for an entry-level position in fiber-optic manufacturing.