A Scotia-Glenville High School senior with aspirations to take flight has found life skills and a job on the ground thanks to Capital Region BOCES.
Sam Jahn is in the second year of the Automotive Trades Technology program at Capital Region BOCES, where he has learned not only how to repair cars, but also found a job at local dealership Capitaland GMC.
“Sam went to CapitaLand for work-based learning his junior year, and they offered him a job and he is still there,” said teacher Brian LaCroix.
Jahn said it has been great “making money off what I am learning at BOCES and the connections I have made here.”
“Because of BOCES, I can work on anything basically with nuts and bolts,” he added.
While Jahn continues to work in automotive repair and learn at BOCES, his ultimate goal is to become a pilot.
“I plan to go to college to become a pilot, but I am going to work my way through college,” he said.
And, when it comes time to trade the garage for a cockpit, Jahn said he will continue to use the lessons he has learned at BOCES.
“Attending BOCES has made me a better person. My work ethic has improved, and I am working better as a team with others,” he said. “BOCES has given me insight into what is needed to succeed professionally.”
LaCroix praised Jahn as an “enthusiastic student with a passion to gain knowledge and succeed within the transportation industry.” 
“Sam’s experiences to date are just the beginning. With a drive like his, the sky’s the limit!,” he said.
There are approximately 100 students on the Schoharie and Albany campuses who chose CTE to learn the skills necessary to launch careers in the automotive repair industry. Students in the two-year program learn everything from computerized diagnostics to hands-on repairs while gaining the skills to service and maintain all types of cars and light trucks. Students are prepared to enter industry or pursue higher education and earn professional certifications that will aid them no matter the path they choose.