{"id":6535,"date":"2021-06-07T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-07T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/the-roar.net\/?p=6535"},"modified":"2021-06-29T11:44:05","modified_gmt":"2021-06-29T18:44:05","slug":"launch-your-career-in-laser-tech-at-sjcc-today","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/the-roar.net\/?p=6535","title":{"rendered":"Launch Your Career in Laser Tech at SJCC Today"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cThe first laser company in the world, Spectra-Physics, was founded in 1960 here in Silicon Valley,\u201d said Dr. Sydney Sukuta, professor of physics and laser technology at SJCC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s partially due to this long history that the Bay Area is a great place to pursue a career in laser tech. Not only that, the laser industry\u2019s growth shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you\u2019re looking to make a complete professional shift or you want to move up at your current job, SJCC’s Laser Technology Program<\/a> has the potential to drastically improve your tech career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At San Jos\u00e9 City College we know that laser tech is the future. Today, we\u2019re going to explore why that\u2019s true and tell you all about our excellent programs. Watch out \u2014 you just might be inspired to make laser tech your<\/em><\/strong> future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe laser technology program at SJCC gave me the skills and confidence to work alongside renowned scientists and engineers at a job I could only dream of having before starting the program.\u201d<\/p>David Dutra, former SJCC student<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Laser Technology is Critical to Modern Manufacturing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not already a tech professional, you might be surprised to learn that laser<\/em> is actually an acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” And since its discovery, laser technology has been a crucial part of many manufacturing processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Applications of Laser Technology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lasers are extremely versatile. Laser technology is often used for things like imprinting, drilling, cutting, wire stripping, welding, ablation, and so much more (ASME<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is an irreplaceable technology with tons of critical applications<\/a>, especially for micro and nano materials. Ever noticed that most technologies keep shrinking in size? This, among many other factors, makes lasers essential in modern manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laser Technology Powers Essential Industries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers<\/a> (ASME), \u201clasers are one of the most widely used tools in manufacturing and can create fine features that are difficult or impossible to make using traditional machining equipment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More importantly, lots of these tiny processes are the most essential in our everyday lives. Use of lasers is extremely common in a variety of indispensable areas \u2014 like microelectronics, medicine, nuclear energy, telecommunication, biotechnology, and data storage (to name a few).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, let\u2019s explore how SJCC can help you break into this prosperous industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Dr. Sukuta helped me understand lasers in almost a \u2018math-free\u2019 way. So if math is a problem, worry not. He mostly focuses on the practical skills needed by employers.\u201d<\/p>Anh Trinh, former SJCC student<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

SJCC\u2019s Laser Technology Program Perfectly Blends Theory and Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to SJCC Laser Technology<\/a>, \u201cemphasis is placed on both theory and hands-on skills, so you learn the vital link between engineers’ \u2018blueprints\u2019 and their real-world implementations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We offer the perfect blend \u2014 education that teaches you how to do a real job, while also giving you the fundamentals of the science behind it, so that you can confidently navigate your workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, there are few others who enjoy the benefits of a Silicon Valley address and network. But it is passionate faculty and a dynamic curriculum that make the biggest impact on our students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what makes our program unique, and why all our students will tell you that SJCC’s Laser Technology Program<\/a> won’t disappoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personalize Your Laser Tech Education<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

SJCC is the only bay area community college that offers two certificates (levels 1 and 3) as well as an AS Degree in Laser Technology. So you can customize your education to meet highly specific career goals.

Imagine you already work at a laser company as an assembler, but you\u2019d like to advance to a laser technician. You could take a course designed specifically for that role, or take a few more and get your certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEach lab is designed to meet a specific job function and each course a specific job title, such as laser test tech, additive manufacturing tech, laser alignment\/manufacturing tech, and CNC laser tech,\u201d said Dr. Sukuta, who has collaborated with laser company giants like Coherent<\/a>, Spectra-Physics<\/a>, and Lumentum<\/a> over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All courses are designed with employment in mind. But if you\u2019re just diving into the field, or you already know you\u2019ll want to continue your education beyond SJCC, the 2 year associate\u2019s degree might be the choice for you. Everyone’s educational journey is unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn the Practical Skills to Work in the Laser Tech Industry Fast<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Laser tech might seem intimidating, but since classes are intentionally designed to prepare you for the workplace, you’ll be able to walk into the room confidently on your first day at a laser company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDr. Sukuta helped me understand lasers in almost a \u2018math-free\u2019 way. So if math is a problem, worry not, for he mostly focuses on the practical skills needed by employers,\u201d said former SJCC student, Anh Trinh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy teaching philosophy is to teach what they will find useful at work,\u201d said Dr. Sukuta. \u201cThe equipment used in our labs is identical to that used in companies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our classes are also tailored to local employers, some of the most advanced laser companies in the world, and they are always evolving. \u201cOur program is vital and relevant because it is continuously updated based on industry standards and in cooperation with our Advisory and Curriculum Committee chaired by Dr. Norman Hodgson of Coherent Inc.,\u201d says the SJCC Laser Tech website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We make an effort to stay involved so that you can get connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connect with Bay Area Laser Companies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

SJCC laser tech faculty are experienced professionals, so they also have strong links to Silicon Valley laser companies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to our adaptive curriculum, classes regularly offer technical presentations from industry personnel, allowing students to make direct connections with potential employers. Dr. Sukuta also organizes a Meet and Greet Job Fair, to further support students who are looking for employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is our strategy to always keep industry engaged rather than teach \u2018in a vacuum,\u2019\u201d Dr. Sukuta said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy teaching philosophy is to teach what they will find useful at work.\u201d<\/p>Dr. Sukuta, SJCC faculty<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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