SMC tech in the uk, is it worth it?

[labtech]

:cheers:
I have been in optics now in the uk for 10 years as a lab tech. I am now getting a little bored to say the least.(if i see one more pair of glasses *!*!!?<>).
I have thought of studying for the S.M.C. tech qualification to relight my enthusiasm but i have a few reservations.

a)is it worth two years study
b)how relevent is it in todays hi tech manufacturing
c)what level of support do you get on the correspondance course.

Any advice would be fab!

[John R]

Can you give us a bit more info on what S.M.C is please, a link to a site would be great.I have not yet come across this yet.

Ah another brit posting.... :cheers:

[Clive Noble]

Hi Guys,

I've been out of the UK now (professionally that is) for over 20 years and I didn't realise that the SMC still existed. SMC = the Spectacle makers Company, or as I knew it in the good ole days, the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers.

I was under the impression that they were swallowed up by the ABDO some years ago, correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyway, the Technicians Course they used to run many years ago was a really good introduction to Dispensing Optics and the lab, and a lot of the material we learned in the DO course was in fact taught to the techs. A number of techs then went on to do the Dispensing diploma

If you've already been working in the lab for a number of years, I feel you would benefit more from the DO course than the Tech. course

Good luck whatever you decide,

All best,

Clive

[John R]

Ah i'm with you, now here's a link to their site WSMA And theABDO Site. Which course were you looking at ? I would agree with Clive go for the DO course which would give you a much wider range of skills. Here's a link to Bradford Collage who do a course on it. Hope the links are of use to you.