Jim runs the quality control lab at David Michael and Company, a food flavoring manufacturer. Aliah is a biomedical research technician at The Wistar Institute, a cancer research center in Philadelphia. And Tony, a production mechanic at New Jersey American Water, is the third featured case study in this exploration of applied science and technology jobs. What do all three have in common? They landed their well-paid, technically challenging positions after only two years of instruction-Jim, through an associate's degree study track; Aliah, a biomedical research technician training program; and Tony, a water treatment licensing course following nine years in the Navy. Viewers also meet Kevin Lampe, assistant professor of biotechnology and program coordinator at Montgomery County Community College in Pennsylvania. Lampe extols the hands-on laboratory skills training that enabled each worker to move straight from his or her schooling into the labor force.

Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on September 15, 2012. Learn360 is distributed by Infobase for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware.

Production Mechanic, Water Treatment (3:20) -- Job Outlook: Production Mechanic, Treatment (4:11) -- Biomedical Research Technician (6:35) -- Quality Control Lab Administrator (4:58) -- Credits: Applied Science and Technology: STEM Careers in Two Years (1:21).