Photonics solutions developer Applied Image Inc. has signed the Finger Lakes Advanced Manufacturer’s Enterprise (FAME) 5% Pledge to provide local young people valuable skills and work experience in the optics and photonics industry. The 5% Pledge states that for every twenty employees, the organization will hire one temporary intern, co-op, high school student or long-term unemployed individual. The initiative allows workers to be exposed to the manufacturing sector, understand high-tech capacity and learn the necessary skills for success in the industry. Applied Image has already brought on two new team members. University of Rochester optics student Ava Hurlock will be working as an intern this summer. Hurlock is a junior optical engineering major planning to continue her education toward a master’s degree. Ricardo Borges, a 2016 graduate of East High School’s optics training program, has been hired as a full-time employee. “Since starting here at Applied Image, my hands-on experience in optical manufacturing techniques and inspection has grown exponentially,” Borges said. “Ava and Ricardo have been great additions to our Applied Image team. They have both demonstrated the skills, interest and ability to learn and quickly contribute, and we’re delighted to support the development of the future workforce through the FAME 5% Pledge,” said Glenn Jackling, president of Applied Image. Applied Image designs and manufactures optical imaging components for electronic and optical imaging, scanning, barcoding, data collection, image evaluation, and photonics industries.