January 2021
Arizona Photonics Days to be offered in March 2021

The fourth annual Arizona Photonics Days will be a virtual conference held March 3-5, 2021. Attendance is free, and APOMA is partnering with the conference as a sponsor of the event. The focus of this year’s conference will be expanding the scope of optics and photonics technologies in industrial and commercial applications in Sensing and Metrology, Laser Technology, and Biomedical Technology.

General information on the event can be found HERE, and a call for papers is currently open and can be found by clicking on the web link below:

Abstract deadline: January 15, 2021
Reminder-- Call for 2021 APOMA Board Nominations!

We have begun operating under the revised APOMA Bylaws, and will look to vote on and ratify them at the Optifab 2021 member meeting. Anyone who has questions or concerns is encouraged to contact the Board at apoma.org@gmail.com. 

Officer Nominations/Elections
The Board is seeking nominations for three Board positions this fall. Secretary, Treasurer and one At-Large member are currently open for nomination. At-large directors are those who represent either Corporate or Associate members. The following year (2022) four more positions will open up: President Elect, two At-Large members and Academic member.

The Board is interested in broadening its industry representation. We would like to see numerous applicants from across the USA and ask that you consider throwing your hat into the nomination ring by submitting yourself or convincing a colleague to apply. The nomination process is currently open and will close February 16, 2021. Nominations can be sent to Jim Sydor, APOMA Secretary, at email: jim@sydor.com

In keeping with the revised APOMA Bylaws, nominees for Treasurer need to have served at least one term on the APOMA Board.

We look forward to your enthusiastic engagement in 2021!
Funding for Registered Apprenticeships!

As we enter a new decade, Registered Apprenticeships continue to be at the forefront of Workforce Development in the United States. Two recently proposed funding opportunities are anticipated to strengthen Registered Apprenticeships.

1.     The National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, was passed by the US House of Representatives in November and is currently under review in the US Senate. If approved, the bill would amend the National Apprenticeship Act with $3 billion in new spending over the next five years on Apprenticeship grants for programs managed by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the states. 

2.     President-elect Joe Biden wants to invest $50 billion in high-quality workforce training programs. According to his campaign website, these funds would create and support training program partnerships between community colleges, businesses, unions, state, local, and tribal governments, universities, and high schools. These funds would also exponentially increase the number of apprenticeships in this country through strengthening the Registered Apprenticeship Program. (https://joebiden.com/made-in-america/)

Monroe Community College’s Optical Systems Technology program is working to expand Optics Manufacturing Technician apprenticeships around the country. Ross Micali, National Work-based Learning Coordinator, is available to assist employers in identifying training needs and developing learning solutions. Contact Ross at rmicali@monroecc.edu  or (585) 202-1118 to discuss starting an apprenticeship program for your workforce.
Member News

Spectrum Thin Films recently coated this large high index optical wedge weighing over 30 pounds!

This was an extended anti-reflection coating. More information on coating services can be found on their website: www.spectrumthinfilms.com

 
For eNews and website submissions or general member questions, please contact: apoma.org@gmail.com .