Graduate Found Calling at BOCES; Still Employed at Company Where he Interned

ALBANY/SCHOHARIE – When Jacob Newell was still in high school, he was assigned work-based learning at Monroe Tractor. Three years later, the Capital Region BOCES Class of 2021 graduate is still gainfully employed at the Latham-based agricultural and construction equipment operation.

“I learned about Monroe in BOCES, and it is fantastic. It’s like a family,” he said.

The Schoharie High School graduate works as a road technician, repairing equipment in the field and on the roadside for the business.

“Sometimes I am in a field, sometimes in the middle of the woods and sometimes I am on the side of the highway. I like that I get to be out with people and see things you don’t see working in the shop,” said Newell.

Located on the Career and Technical Education Center – Albany Campus, the Capital Region BOCES Diesel Tech program prepares students for careers as automotive/bus/truck technicians, heavy equipment repair technicians, service managers and more. While many students enter the workforce upon graduation, numerous other students from the program pursue further education.

“BOCES was good for giving me entry-level training for the industry. It gave me a building block of knowledge,” Newell said.

Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator-Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle said Newell was “a stellar student.”

“He demonstrated responsibility, motivation and leadership skills that are required to be successful in the industry. Jacob’s work ethic is commendable,” she added.

WBL opportunities like Newell had at Monroe are an integral part of a career and technical education—during which students in nearly all programs gain experience alongside industry professionals.

Business officials, including those at Monroe, said working with BOCES is crucial for their companies’ future growth.