A Niskayuna teenager who is fueling her passion for welding at Capital Region BOCES is now well on her way to her professional dreams.
Athena Masse’s interest in welding was ignited at an early age, but it was at the Career and Technical Education Center – Albany Campus that she fabricated her future goals of pipe welding in Texas.
“It’s a super lucrative trade, especially hitting hot spots, and it’s something I really enjoy,” Masse said.
During her nearly two years in the Welding and Metal Fabrication program, she learned American Welding Society standards and is earning certifications that are preparing her to work professionally. She will build upon those skills and learn pipe-welding-specific skills at the Kentucky Welding Institute, where she has already been accepted.
“BOCES is a good program that puts you on the right track for a great career. I feel I am ready to go to the Welding Institute and get specific instruction that will lead to pipe welding,” said Masse, who was inducted as a junior into the National Technical Honor Society.
The teenager said she was drawn to the industry by family members and a desire to not pursue a typical four-year college education.
“My grandfather welded, and I want to learn a trade instead of going to college, so welding was right for me,” she said.
From meeting business and college representatives to challenging herself in a statewide welding competition, Masse said attending BOCES has “given me a lot of opportunities and opened a lot of doors.”