BOCES Students Can Dig it—Really—After Earning Professional Certifications

SCHOHARIE – Capital Region BOCES seniors in the Electrical Trades and Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation programs are ready to dig into their futures after recently earning a new professional certification.

Students completed earlier this month the Certified Excavator Program (CEP) certification during a session on the Career and Technical Education Center – Schoharie Campus. The certification allows students to operate on construction sites around utility poles, said Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator-Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle.

CEP certification is valid for five years and provides students with an easier path to employment in the heavy equipment, utility and construction industries. Completion of the certification program also makes students eligible for a $500 Jump Start Award from UDig NY in recognition of their commitment to safety in the field, Liddle said.

“This was an awesome opportunity for our students to really prepare themselves and truly be ready to work when they graduate,” said Heavy Equipment teacher Matt Millard.

CEP certification is one of dozens of certifications Capital Region BOCES students can earn in their various programs. The certifications give them an advantage in the workforce and allow them to advance up the career step ladder quicker than peers who do not attend BOCES.

“Employers—especially those in the construction industry—seek students and graduates with the professional skills and aptitude that the professional certifications we offer signify. Additionally, by earning these certifications, our students show an eagerness to learn and grow that makes them a valuable asset to employers,” Liddle said.

Students said they appreciated the chance to build their resumes.

“The certification validated the training that I have received in my class from our teachers and will be important for my future. I am starting an internship at Lancaster [Development Inc./Tri City Products] soon and this will be very beneficial as the certification is for two years,” said Jacob Soucia, a Heavy Equipment senior from Cobleskill-Richmondville.

Employers and unions said they value the certifications and skills CTE students earn.

“We value the training and skills Capital Region BOCES CTE students learn and are proud to partner with Capital Region BOCES to address our workforce needs,” said Josh Shaul, Business Manager/ Secretary Treasurer for The Laborers' International Union of North America Local 157.

There are approximately 50 students currently enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation program on the Schoharie Campus. The program is expanding for the 2025-26 school year to the currently under construction CTE Extension Center that is being built near the Albany Career and Technical Education Center.

For more information on career and technical education programs offered by BOCES, visit the website at https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/courses-programs/.