High school students and their parents are encouraged to visit the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center – Albany Campus during an open house on March 5.
The event will run from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Career and Technical Education center located at 925B Watervliet-Shaker Road in Albany.
During the event, prospective students and parents will be able to tour the campus, learn about the 29 different career development programs offered, and in some cases meet with current students.
Capital Region BOCES CTE serves approximately 1,500 high school juniors and seniors from about 30 school districts.
Demand for a career and technical education continues to rise with enrollment growing by nearly 500 students over the past five years. In response, a 46,000-square-foot Career and Technical Education Extension Center opened in September, allowing for the creation of two new programs.
Located at 886 Watervliet-Shaker Road in Albany, next to the Albany CTE Campus and the BOCES administration building, the Extension Center allowed for an additional 200-plus students to gain a career and technical education. It is home to new Plumbing Technology and New Visions: Emerging Technology programs, we well as an expanded Cosmetology, Electrical Trades, Building Trades and Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation programs.
As operator of one of the largest workforce development centers in Upstate New York and partner to more than 300 business, education and labor organizations, Capital Region BOCES takes seriously its role in equipping the next generation of workers with the essential skill sets needed to alleviate the critical shortage of skilled labor in this region and beyond.
Graduates of BOCES programs have gone on to jobs in all facets of the workforce—from nurse practitioners and physicians to machinists, entrepreneurs, diesel technicians, fashion designers, video game designers, electricians, chefs, service managers, dietitians, and many, many more successful careers.
“BOCES connects education with everyday life and gives you the skills you need to succeed,” said Tom Rodick, a Class of 2022 graduate of the Network Technology program who works for BBL Construction Services and is receiving a free college education through his employer.
CTE Director Jeff Palmer reaffirmed that message and cited studies that showcase the value of a BOCES education.
“As the New York State Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures has reinforced, CTE plays a crucial role in workforce and higher education preparedness,” he said.
For more information on CTE programs, visit the program page on the website.