Linking an Education to a Career at BOCES

SCHOHARIE – It’s one thing to have a plan for what you will do after graduating, but it’s another to have a career already lined up.

That’s the goal for students at Capital Region BOCES who spend their last two years of high school preparing to enter the workforce.

Several of those students recently advanced their goals as they took part in interviews with The Laborers' International Union of North America Local 157 on the Schoharie Career and Technical Education (CTE) Campus.

“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 union.

Among the seven students interviewed was Samantha Herzog, a Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation senior from Schoharie.

“I don’t know what I am doing with my entire life, but to have a job and career lined up makes everything less stressful,” said the teenager.

Her goal is to work with the union and advance her skills.

“I want to start on a shovel and work my way up and eventually be a crane operator or dozer operator, she said, adding “I just love staying busy and working with machines.”

Shaul and coworker John Drinon interviewed seven students for potential jobs with contractors throughout the region.

Several of those interviewed will likely be part of the Capital Region BOCES National Signing Day on May 29 at the Career and Technical Education Center – Albany Campus.

The event, which is affiliated with the SkillsUSA National Signing Day, mirrors the NCAA’s National Signing Day for athletes who commit to play sports in college. The BOCES Signing Day is designed to celebrate high school seniors and college/postsecondary students who have chosen to pursue a career as a professional in any of the skilled trades.

Students who will be signing letters of intent hail from several area school districts that have committed to work in industries ranging from construction and land development businesses to unions, automotive and diesel engine repair shops and car dealerships.