Area Students Address State Workforce Development Association

ALBANY/SCHOHARIE/SARATOGA – Four students enrolled in Capital Region BOCES shared with workforce development experts on March 10 their experiences and professional growth that they have gained through their career and technical education.

Seniors Samantha Herzog, Broden Higgens, Jeffrey Mulhern and Christina Mills spoke about their education, future career choices and how a BOCES education gives them an advantage for their professional future during the 2025 New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP) Youth Conference in Saratoga Springs.

The students said they appreciated the opportunity to share their BOCES experiences with workforce experts.

“It was very eye opening. I love to see the attention BOCES is receiving and the people at the conference yesterday seemed very involved and interested in the future of youth in the trades,” said Mulhern, a Duanesburg student enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation program.

The students were joined on the panel with BOCES business partners Ed Wallace, Workforce Development Manager for Lancaster Development Inc. in Richmondville, and Nick Wilsey, Vice President of Aaron’s Electric Inc. in Middleburgh.

“The students were well received based on the questions and interaction. Partnerships like this need to continue to develop great human beings,” Wallace said.

Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator-Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle said the students and partners represented Capital Region BOCES well.

“Their messaging reflected the broader drive and passion our students have to make a difference in the workforce and their communities,” said Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator-Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle.

Liddle thanked NYATEP for inviting the students to share their stories.

“This was a great opportunity for our students to showcase their skills, network with workforce development experts, and highlight the important role BOCES plays in further developing their academics, workplace and personal skills as they prepare for building the workforce,” she said.