$400,000 grant enables tech center to offer photonics training

United Technologies Center of Bangor will receive a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to train unemployed workers in the emerging technology of photonics.

Photonics involves generation, transport, detection and use of light energy through its quantum unit, the photon. Photons transport light energy and carry information through fiber-optic cable and can retrieve information in laser, radar and other sensor devices.

UTC’s pilot program will introduce a photonics curriculum in the regional technical high school.

Through the program, UTC will work closely with local businesses, tailoring the curriculum to ensure that it provides a technical education that will serve as the foundation for career development. The effort also could attract additional photonics employers to the area, said U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, who announced the grant.