MCC Student Becomes First Woman to Complete Optics Manufacturing Apprenticeship in New York State
November 12, 2020
WHAT: Monroe Community College student Ashley Hoffman, the first woman to recently complete a precision optics manufacturing technician registered apprenticeship in New York state and earn a journeyworker certificate, will share her job-training experiences during a “Women in Apprenticeships” webinar today in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week (Nov. 9-13).
Ashley Hoffman
Hoffman has worked as an optics technician at JML Optical in Pittsford for the past five years. In December 2020, she will earn an associate degree with honors in optical systems technology. Hoffman said she plans to use her passion for the optics industry to help train and inspire others, especially women, to take a career path similar to hers.
“Ashley is a highly valued member of JML’s operations team and, through her leadership and hard work, has become a role model and inspiration to women who are considering, or currently entering, the optical industry,” said Steve Burton, vice president of operations at JML Optical.
Of the 170 MCC students who are registered apprentices in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades in the fall 2020 semester, 10 are women.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for Ashley, our optical systems technology program at MCC, women in optics, apprenticeships, JML Optical, and the optics industry in New York state,” said Alexis Vogt, Ph.D., program chair and professor of optical systems technology. “Ashley has paved the way for future women. As Monroe Community College’s optical systems technology program extends the precision optics apprenticeship around the country, many women will follow in her footsteps.”
WHERE: The “Women in Apprenticeships” webinar will be held via Zoom. Click the link to join the webinar:
https://monroecommunity.zoom.us/j/87689994429?pwd=cFJsNWoweDhsTmJRTjFkclcyY1cwdz09
WHEN: Noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12
DETAILS: In collaboration with Rochester Technology & Manufacturing Association (RTMA), MCC will host a “Women in Apprenticeships” webinar highlighting two MCC students who will share their success stories.
Program schedule:
- Noon – Welcome from Bob Coyne, director of workforce development for RTMA; and Dale Pearce, program director of apprenticeships at MCC
- 12:05m. – Remarks by Marcie Dalton, second-year welding apprentice at Optimation
- 12:20 p.m. – Remarks by Ashley Hoffman, optics technician at JML Optical
- 12:35 p.m. — Q&A from audience