OP-TEC: The National Center for Optics and Photonics Education

光子学和光子学行业最近和预期的增长需要越来越多的技术人员接受教育，他们了解与以下六个行业相关的光子学方面：通信、照明和照明、医药、制造、光电子学以及成像和遥感。国家光学和光子学教育中心(OP-TEC)是由12所设有光子学课程的社区大学和15个行业合作伙伴组成的联盟，由职业研究和发展中心(CORD)领导。该中心通过更新行业认可的光子学技能标准以及开发、测试和传播光子学示范课程，支持设计和实施从中学到社区大学到四年制院校的光子学职业道路。评估现有的光子学材料，并在需要的地方开发和销售新材料。教职员工以及管理人员和职业顾问接受包括行业外部工作在内的专业发展。该中心通过专业协会和网站传播有关需要有能力的光子学技术人员的信息，并建立光子学教育工作者网络。为200多所预计将推出光子学技师课程的学院提供持续和可持续的技师教育技术援助。

Recent and projected growth in photonics and photonic-enabled industries requires education of an increasing number of technicians who understand aspects of photonics as related to six industry sectors: communications, lighting and illumination, medicine, manufacturing, optoelectronics, and imaging and remote sensing. The National Center for Optics and Photonics Education (OP-TEC) is a consortium of twelve community colleges with photonics programs and fifteen industry partners led by the Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD). The Center supports the design and implementation of photonic career pathways from secondary schools through community colleges to four-year institutions by updating industry-validated photonics skill standards and developing, testing, and disseminating model photonics curricula. Existing photonics materials are evaluated and new materials, where needed, are developed and marketed. Faculty, as well as administrators and career counselors, receive professional development including industry externships. The Center disseminates information about the need for photonics-competent technicians through professional societies and a website and establishes a network of photonics educators. Ongoing and sustainable technical assistance in technician education is provided for the more than 200 colleges expected to introduce photonics technician programs.