One works for the New York State Police, another is looking for a hands-on career, but they all have one thing in common – choosing Capital Region BOCES for career advancement.
Adam Ward is a facilities engineer for the state police and is enrolled in the Adult Electrical Trades program at Capital Region BOCES while Eden Clapper is a recent high school graduate who chose the Adult Welding and Metal Fabrication program at BOCES to discover just the right career.
“I plan to find a job welding and eventually become a welding inspector,” said Clapper, a 2024 graduate of Colonie Central High School.
“I like the artistic side of welding, the sculptures,” the Colonie resident said.
Meanwhile, Ward has built a career working for the state and wants to be able to advance.
“This program will allow me to be able to do more on the job and improve my knowledge as a homeowner,” the Westerlo resident said.
The pair are among several hundred adults enrolled in programs at Capital Region BOCES.
Many of the adult learners pursue education in the post-secondary trade programs such as Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC), Electrical Trades, Welding and Metal Fabrication, Building Trades, Practical Nursing and Personal Care Aide/Home Health Aide/Nurse Assistant.
“Demand is high for programs that allow students to redirect their lives or to get an edge in a challenging workforce,” said Capital Region BOCES Adult Education Program Manager Mike Markou. “We are proud to offer skilled trades training courses that provide adults with employment pathways across the Capital Region.”
Ward said the Electrical Trades program has taught him well.
“Because of the hands-on work we do, I have learned so much in the last four months in the program. I have learned much more than I ever did in book learning,” he said.
Visit the Adult Education section of the website for more information about any of these programs.