Syntec Optics (Nasdaq: OPTX) Launches Pioneering New York State Apprenticeship Program to Foster U.S. Advanced Manufacturing
Syntec Optics (Nasdaq: OPTX) has launched a pioneering apprenticeship program in New York State, marking the first of its kind in the United States for optics and photonics manufacturing. The program, developed in partnership with Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) and Monroe Community College (MCC), aims to address the critical shortage of specialized talent in advanced manufacturing.
The 18-month to 4-year program currently has six apprentices enrolled and combines on-the-job training with specialized coursework in nanomachining and optics. The initiative is certified and funded by New York State, offering participants scholarships and tool funding through RTMA. The program supports Syntec's growth across various technology sectors, including hyperspectral imaging, rocket propulsion, fusion energy, and satellite optics.
Syntec Optics (Nasdaq: OPTX) ha avviato in New York uno storico programma di apprendistato, il primo negli Stati Uniti specificamente dedicato alla produzione nel settore dell'ottica e della fotonica. Il progetto, sviluppato in collaborazione con la Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) e il Monroe Community College (MCC), punta a colmare la carenza di personale specializzato nella produzione avanzata.
Il programma, della durata da 18 mesi a 4 anni, conta attualmente sei apprendisti e combina formazione pratica in azienda con corsi specializzati in nanomacchinazione e ottica. L'iniziativa è certificata e finanziata dallo Stato di New York e offre borse di studio e finanziamenti per attrezzature tramite RTMA. Il percorso sostiene l'espansione di Syntec in diversi ambiti tecnologici, tra cui imaging iperspettrale, propulsione spaziale, energia da fusione e ottiche satellitari.
Syntec Optics (Nasdaq: OPTX) ha inaugurado en el estado de Nueva York un programa de aprendizaje pionero, el primero en Estados Unidos enfocado a la fabricación en óptica y fotónica. El programa, desarrollado junto con la Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) y el Monroe Community College (MCC), busca cubrir la escasez de talento especializado en la fabricación avanzada.
El programa, de entre 18 meses y 4 años, cuenta actualmente con seis aprendices y combina formación práctica en el puesto de trabajo con cursos especializados en nanomecanizado y óptica. La iniciativa está certificada y financiada por el Estado de Nueva York y ofrece becas y financiación de herramientas a través de RTMA. El programa respalda el crecimiento de Syntec en múltiples sectores tecnológicos, incluidos imágenes hiperespectrales, propulsión de cohetes, energía de fusión y óptica para satélites.
Syntec Optics (Nasdaq: OPTX)� 뉴욕주에� 광학·포토닉스 제조 분야에서� 미국 최초� 선도적인 견습 프로그램� 시작했습니다. � 프로그램은 Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) � Monroe Community College (MCC)와 협력� 개발되었으며, 첨단 제조 분야� 전문 인력 부� 문제� 해결하는 것을 목표� 합니�.
18개월에서 4� 기간� � 프로그램에는 현재 6명의 견습생이 참여 중이�, 현장 실무훈련� 나노가� � 광학� 전문 과정� 결합되어 있습니다. � 이니셔티브는 뉴욕주에� 인증 � 자금 지원을 받으�, RTMA� 통해 장학금과 장비 자금� 제공합니�. 프로그램은 하이퍼스펙트� 이미�, 로켓 추진, 핵융� 에너지, 위성 광학 � 다양� 기술 분야에서 Syntec� 성장� 지원합니다.
Syntec Optics (Nasdaq: OPTX) a lancé dans l'État de New York un programme d'apprentissage pionnier, le premier aux États-Unis dédié à la fabrication en optique et photonique. Le programme, mis au point en partenariat avec la Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) et le Monroe Community College (MCC), vise à répondre à la pénurie critique de talents spécialisés dans la fabrication avancée.
Le programme de 18 mois à 4 ans compte actuellement six apprentis et associe formation en entreprise et cours spécialisés en nanusinage et optique. L'initiative est certifiée et financée par l'État de New York et propose des bourses ainsi qu'un financement d'outillage via la RTMA. Le programme soutient le développement de Syntec dans plusieurs secteurs technologiques, notamment l'imagerie hyperspectrale, la propulsion de fusée, l'énergie de fusion et l'optique satellitaire.
Syntec Optics (Nasdaq: OPTX) hat im Bundesstaat New York ein wegweisendes Ausbildungsprogramm gestartet � das erste seiner Art in den USA für die Fertigung in Optik und Photonik. Das Programm wurde in Zusammenarbeit mit der Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) und dem Monroe Community College (MCC) entwickelt und zielt darauf ab, den eklatanten Mangel an spezialisiertem Fachpersonal in der Advanced Manufacturing zu beheben.
Das 18 Monate bis 4 Jahre dauernde Programm hat derzeit sechs Auszubildende und verbindet praktische Berufsausbildung mit spezialisierten Kursen in Nanobearbeitung und Optik. Die Initiative ist vom Staat New York zertifiziert und gefördert und bietet Stipendien sowie Mittel für Werkzeuge über die RTMA. Das Programm unterstützt Syntecs Wachstum in verschiedenen Technologiebereichen, darunter hyperspektrale Bildgebung, Raketentriebwerke, Fusionsenergie und Satellitenoptik.
- First-of-its-kind U.S. apprenticeship program addressing critical workforce needs in optics manufacturing
- State certification and funding support through New York State Department of Labor
- Strategic alignment with growing demand across multiple high-tech markets
- Partnership with established educational and industry organizations (RTMA and MCC)
- None.
Insights
Syntec Optics' apprenticeship program addresses critical workforce gaps needed to capitalize on growing demand across multiple high-tech markets.
This first-of-its-kind apprenticeship program represents a strategic workforce development initiative designed to address a critical bottleneck in Syntec's growth potential. The program strategically targets the specialized talent shortage in optics and photonics manufacturing � a persistent challenge in the U.S. advanced manufacturing sector.
The company's focus on nanomachining skills is particularly significant as these specialized capabilities are essential for producing the high-precision components required in defense systems, biomedical devices, and next-generation communications equipment. By developing this talent pipeline internally, Syntec is positioning itself to capture growing demand across multiple emerging technology sectors mentioned by the VP of Business Development: hyperspectral imaging, rocket propulsion, fusion energy, biomedical vision correction, and satellite ground network optics.
This initiative aligns with broader industry reshoring trends and the national security imperative to rebuild domestic manufacturing capabilities in critical technology areas. The partnership structure with state agencies, educational institutions, and industry associations demonstrates effective leverage of external resources to address internal capability gaps.
The 18-month to 4-year program timeline indicates Syntec is taking a long-term approach to workforce development, suggesting the company anticipates sustained growth in demand for its manufacturing capabilities. This focus on building specialized human capital alongside technical capabilities strengthens Syntec's competitive positioning in advanced manufacturing markets where technical talent is often the limiting factor in scaling operations.
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, Sept. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Syntec Optics Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: OPTX) (“Syntec Optics� or the “Company�), a leading provider of technology products to defense, biomedical, communications, and consumer industry leaders, today announced the launch of an apprenticeship program created to be New York State certified and funded. The program is intended to cultivate the next generation of highly skilled manufacturing technicians and is the first of its kind in the United States.
Developed in partnership with the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) and Monroe Community College (MCC), the program addresses the critical need for specialized talent in the optics and photonics manufacturing sector.
The curriculum was developed by Chief Engineer Ryan Kromm and former Senior Technician Mark Webster, along with other team members on the nanotechnology team. It combines intensive on-the-job training, dedicated mentorship from experts, and specialized coursework in nanomachining and optics to provide a robust foundation in this demanding field.
The program is built in collaboration with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) under the Precision Optics Manufacturing Technician umbrella, establishing a new standard for workforce development in the U.S.
"Investing in our future workforce is a core part of our strategy to drive innovation," said Dean Rudy, CFO of Syntec Optics. "This comprehensive apprenticeship program, especially the first-of-its-kind for nanomachining, is a testament to our commitment to excellence and to rebuilding critical manufacturing skills right here in the U.S. We are not just training technicians; we are developing future leaders and innovators who will push the boundaries of what's possible in optics."
Matt Carey, VP of Business Development and Delivery, commented, "We are seeing tremendous demand for our Advanced Manufacturing Platform across various new technology frontiers, including Hyperspectral Imaging, Rocket Propulsion, Fusion Energy, Biomedical Vision Correction, and Satellite Ground Network Optics. This new demand complements the growth in our existing markets, like Night Vision Scopes, Aiming Sights for Defense, Artificial Intelligence Data Centers, Photonic Biosensing, and LEO Satellite Optics. This apprenticeship program is a critical strategic investment that directly supports our ability to scale and meet this broad and growing customer demand with a highly skilled workforce."
Currently, six apprentices are enrolled across these critical areas. Through the RTMA, and with scholarship contributions from New York State, participants can receive funding for both their education and the tools required for their jobs. The program, which spans 18 months to 4 years, is designed for graduates to receive accreditation from the New York State Education Department.
About Syntec Optics
Syntec Optics Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: OPTX), headquartered in Rochester, NY, is one of the largest custom and diverse end-market optics and photonics manufacturers in the United States. Operating for over two decades, Syntec Optics runs a state-of-the-art facility with extensive core capabilities of various optics manufacturing processes, both horizontally and vertically integrated, to provide a competitive advantage for mission-critical OEMs. As more products become light-enabled, Syntec Optics continues to add more product lines, including recent Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite optics for communication, lightweight night vision goggle optics for defense, biomedical optics for defense, and data center optics for Artificial Intelligence. To learn more, visit www.syntecoptics.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements� within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act�) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including certain financial forecasts and projections. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including statements as to the transactions contemplated by the business combination and related agreements, future results of operations and financial position, revenue and other metrics, planned products and services, business strategy and plans, objectives of management for future operations of Syntec Optics, market size, and growth opportunities, competitive position and technological and market trends, are forward-looking statements. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, including “may,� “should,� “expect,� “intend,� “will,� “estimate,� “anticipate,� “believe,� “predict,� “plan,� “targets,� “projects,� “could,� “would,� “continue,� “forecast� or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors (some of which are beyond the control of Syntec Optics), which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon estimates, forecasts and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Syntec Optics and its management, as the case may be, are inherently uncertain and many factors may cause the actual results to differ materially from current expectations which include, but are not limited to: 1) risk outlined in any prior SEC filings; 2) ability of Syntec Optics to successfully increase market penetration into its target markets; 3) the addressable markets that Syntec Optics intends to target do not grow as expected; 4) the loss of any key executives; 5) the loss of any relationships with key suppliers including suppliers abroad; 6) the loss of any relationships with key customers; 7) the inability to protect Syntec Optics� patents and other intellectual property; 8) the failure to successfully execute manufacturing of announced products in a timely manner or at all, or to scale to mass production; 9) costs related to any further business combination; 10) changes in applicable laws or regulations; 11) the possibility that Syntec Optics may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; 12) Syntec Optics� estimates of its growth and projected financial results for the future and meeting or satisfying the underlying assumptions with respect thereto; 13) the impact of any pandemic, including any mutations or variants thereof and the Russian/Ukrainian or Israeli conflict, and any resulting effect on business and financial conditions; 14) inability to complete any investments or borrowings in connection with any organic or inorganic growth; 15) the potential for events or circumstances that result in Syntec Optics� failure to timely achieve the anticipated benefits of Syntec Optics� customer arrangements; and 16) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors� and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements� in prior SEC filings including registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Syntec Optics does not give any assurance that Syntec Optics will achieve its expected results. Syntec Optics does not undertake any duty to update these forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by law.
For further information, please contact:
Tim Bechtold
Investor Relations
SOURCE: Syntec Optics Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: OPTX)
