SCHOOL

Optics Technology at SCCC

Companies are looking for Optics Technicians every day. That means students in the Sussex County Community College (SCCC) Optics Technology program in the Newton, NJ region have a pretty sweet advantage — a growing and invigorating career path. Students have the opportunity to work in labs and operate equipment while gaining entry-level experience in the Optics manufacturing world through one-year certificate and two-year associate degree programs.

REACH OUT Why Optics

About optics

What are Optics?

Optics are everywhere. Optics Technicians create precise components — primarily lenses fashioned out of blocks of glass — that are used in a wide array of devices, from scopes used in medical devices, to night-vision goggles worn by soldiers, to the mirrors used in NASA’s James Webb telescope transmitting images from outer space. There are many opportunities to make an impact in the Optics industry.

Real People, Real Stories

“It’s interesting to see how light works with itself. It’s visually appealing.”

— Felicity, Optics Technician

Felicity first fell in love with the Optics program in high school. She’s a young mother, who appreciated the program’s flexibility and used her art background, and experience in ceramics and jewelry making, to strengthen her creativity and hand-eye coordination.

“I wish I had known about Optics sooner. I would have gone into it right away.”

— Alex, Optics student

Alex previously studied astrophysics at a community college, and got into Optics by working as an assembler at a consumer electronics company. His boss encouraged him to go back to school because he was good at problem-solving.

“Fiber Optics instantly grabbed me.”

— Candance, Optics Apprentice

Candace came into the industry with a background in jewelry making and befriended a woman working in Optics, who encouraged her to join the field. She currently works in polishing, where she smooths lenses, mirrors, windows, and the ends of Optical fibers to optimize their shape and surface quality.

“This is not something I imagined I would be doing. It’s not only rewarding but interesting and fun.”

— John, Optical Engineer

John didn’t know anything about Optics until he started working in a lab at his high school. After graduating in 2019, he entered the workforce full-time at a company that makes custom Optics components. He especially loves the bonuses and perks as he was able to purchase his dream car recently!

Program

SCCC Program Overview

The Optics Technology program includes an associate degree track and three one-year certificate tracks. These are designed so you gain relevant manufacturing experience and stand out as an advantageous candidate for employment. Students develop advanced skills in the comprehension of technical drawings, material handling, fundamental optics and photonics theory, and more. Upon completion, you graduate with entry-level experience to succeed in the Optics industry.

Students benefit from these aspects of the program:

Employ safety skills in an industrial setting.

Demonstrate knowledge and skills in conventional and CNC manufacturing of Optics.

Apply skills in metrology for the purpose of first article inspection reports.

Develop advanced skills in the comprehension of technical drawings, material handling, fundamental Optics and photonics theory, and more.

Apply physical concepts of light to the production and measurement of precision Optics.

Financial assistance and scholarships are available, including earn-while-you-learn options.

Graduates move directly into the workforce.

Contact Sussex County Community College

Contact Sussex County Community College

Find out what the program has to offer.
Get in touch with an advisor today.