By Angel Ford, Contributing Writer
In an effort to boost local talent and shorten the skill gap in optics manufacturing, Access Optics, a Broken Arrow medical manufacturing business, recently launched an apprenticeship program.
Access Optics developed the apprenticeship with the Optics Manufacturing Technician position in mind, working with the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance and Tulsa Innovation Labs.
“We talked a little bit about how important it is to really bring in a technical skill for the type of work that we do. It’s unique. Not many companies, especially in Oklahoma, are focused on optical technology,” said Matthew Gregoire, CEO of Access Optics.
Attending a ceremonial kick-off event included Broken Arrow Mayor Debra Wimpee; Robert Couse, U.S. Department of Labor Oklahoma State director, and Dr. Sharon Harrison, OMA Director of Workforce.
“It’s exciting that we could bring in talent to help really establish a stronghold in Oklahoma, as well as here domestically, because there’s a lot of competition out there. We see ourselves as being unique in micro-optics, but not many people participate in it. We’ve done some leading-edge type of work already. We’re excited about giving the opportunity for people to come in and learn about what we do but more importantly, have the skills to expand in this type of industry,” said Gregoire.
Harrison said Access Optics has been a long-term generational client of the OMA and they are excited to be a part of the new initiative.
“Under Matt’s new leadership, we’ve really seen the vision to be innovative with their workforce approach and the investment into that talent with the Registered Apprenticeship Program. He’s also going to be adding a CNC machinist back-to-back with it. And we’re really excited for the Broken Arrow community as well that have such specialized talent,” said Harrison.
Gregoire was appointed as the company’s new CEO in 2023. As the newly elected leader Gregoire said it’s been important for him to lead his team while providing them with the skills they need to grow.
“Coming into this role is to help the company grow in Oklahoma, and to understand how we can help our employees become skilled in the area of optical technologies. That’s a space that is limited, but it has no boundaries when you start thinking about where its application can go,” said Gregoire.
He added that they are working to get into government contracts so that they may receive help with a sizable amount of work.
Alongside OMA and Tulsa Innovation Labs, another company has played a hand in advancing the new program.
“(I have been) helping Matt with developing this program and building it out. We are excited just having something that is really about those advanced skills in technology and an advanced type of manufacturing, which is exciting to see become an apprentice-able occupation. In fact, it is a very new apprentice-able occupation, I think about the end of last year it became one,” said Stewart Harrison, apprenticeships program director at Harrison Consulting Groups.
Gregoire said he has been working in advance with Monroe Community College out of Rochester, N.Y., which has been a part of the Registered Apprenticeships program.
“The fact that now we could have that connection with a school, as well as on-the-job training, and developing these programs is essential,” said Gregoire.
Access Optics is a recent awardee of the Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program which awards funds to qualifying companies to encourage new capital investments. The award also works to create new jobs while supporting existing ones. Access Optics was awarded $49,554 and may have contributed to the establishment of the apprenticeship.
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