National Manufacturing Institute Scotland

New course with key industry players to boost photonics skills

A free training course to upskill learners in Scotland’s booming photonics industry has been developed in collaboration with key industry players including Thales, Leonardo, Coherent, and Technology Scotland.

Following successful completion of the ‘Practical photonics skills,’ course, participants will also be offered an interview with one of the partner businesses, posing a unique opportunity to boost career prospects while addressing skill shortages across the country.

Developed by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland’s (NMIS) Manufacturing Skills Academy and the University of Strathclyde, the course is aimed at people with a background, or interest in photonics and manufacturing. It will teach photonics fundamentals, including laser safety, optics handling and the construction of circuits.

The photonics industry in Scotland is estimated to be worth around £1.2billion, and is home to clusters of innovative, internationally recognised companies supporting other growing sectors including renewables, aerospace and manufacturing.

The course has been funded by the Scottish Government’s £20 million National Transition Training Fund (NTTF), and is one of a number of initiatives designed to support Scotland’s economic recovery following the pandemic.

Stewart McKinlay, Skills Director of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland’s Manufacturing Skills Academy said:

This is a great example of employers, academia and stakeholders working together.  It will give a real opportunity to some who are unemployed or at risk, providing a route into a very significant sector in Scotland that offers high paid careers, but often goes unnoticed. It is also hoped that courses like this, will enable the continuation of producing highly skilled engineers, broaden the talent pool, and offer a positive solution to tackling the skills gap.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the course, or register can do so via the NMIS website.

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