|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|||
Photonics Technicians & TechnologistsNOC code: (2241) Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technologists & Technicians |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DescriptionSupermarket check-out scanners, laser eye surgery (or laser tag!), night vision, "smart" missiles, fibre-optic cable for high speed Internet access...they're all part of the fascinating world of photonics. And it's a world that's changing faster than the speed of light! Almost every single industry, business, or household in the Western world is affected by photonics. But what is it, exactly? Well, photons are units of light energy, and photonics is the technology that deals with the generation, transmission, manipulation, detection, and utilization of that light energy. Depending on the way the light energy is harnessed, and how strong it is, it can be used for anything from cutting diamonds to wartime surveillance. Specific dutiesHere are just a few of the ways photonics are used: fibre-optics in telecommunications and information technologies;
Related careersYou might be also be interested in these careers that have similar educational and/or training requirements, or that share similar duties. High school pathA CareerMATTERS consultant suggests these high school courses would be helpful. They are not pre-requisites to post secondary programs, nor are they necessary to obtain employment. You should consult with your school counsellor to make the best choices for your own career path.
Post-secondary options
There may be several different paths to a career. Post-secondary education or training programs will help, but they are not a guarantee. You should research your options carefully before deciding on any program of study. Click here for a comparison chart of institutions or accreditations. The following programs offered at Ontario post-secondary institutions may be helpful in pursuing a career in this field. In addition to the institutions listed here, please refer to "For more information" (at left) for a list of organizations and associations that may also offer programs of study.
Career pathWondering how you could prepare for a career in this field? Or what else you might do once you have some experience? The field is wide open in photonics and there is a huge demand for skilled technicians and technologists. If, after getting your diploma, you want to add to your credentials, you could consider going into engineering. Some universities will count your diploma as credit toward a degree.
EmployersThese are examples of the places, businesses and industries that employ people in this field: Just about every industry is using or exploring photonics technology, so you could be working for a manufacturer of medical equipment or a telecommunications firm or the defense department or a company that makes virtual reality machines. How's that for diversity? Work environmentDo you like problem solving, and are you inquisitive about how things work? Good. Then you'll like the challenges you're likely to meet as a photonics technician or technologist. You'll be using various instruments, machines, and equipment, and you'll probably spend most of your time indoors. You'll work as part of a team, which could include researchers, scientists, doctors, engineers, or other technicians or technologists. Common job titlesAlso Known As.... Chemical engineering technologist or technician
For more informationLinks to associations, organizations, unions and other places that may be able to provide more information.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
