Omega Optical, a southern Vermont-based manufacturer, has received a $9,000 Vermont Training Program (VTP) grant from the Vermont Department of Economic Development.

For decades, Omega Optical has made a variety of optical filters products used by both government and private organizations.  Omega Optical continues to create innovate products and serves as a key supplier to companies involved in aerospace, defense, and life science operations.  Omega Optical will use the grant to train employees a valuable curriculum of basic inferometry training, machine math training, advanced machine tool technology training, and CNC machine training.

“Our technical production staff has greatly benefited from the training and its impact has been so positive on our workforce,” said Jennifer Locascio, Director of Human Resources. “Given the skills gap in the emerging optics and photonics industry, programs like the Vermont Training Program are invaluable to companies like Omega.  We very much appreciate the program and support!”

Global optics and imaging is a growing industry, but many experienced technicians are approaching retirement.  Omega Optical views it as vital to continually train its employees. Its products and services are built on years of technical experience, software knowledge, and other problem-solving skills. Equipping employees with this knowledge allows them to better serve customers today and likely create new products along the way.

“Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) is grateful to have a state program like VTP,” said Alex Beck, BDCC Workforce and Education Specialist. “The program supports the local businesses by investing in people through training and education. The BDCC’s knowledge of local needs, paired with the VTP’s expertise and funding, is emblematic of the kind of public-private collaboration needed to support employers like Omega Optical, and to help Vermonters build the skills they need to access economic opportunity.”