An open house for high school students interested in careers in the burgeoning semiconductor and hydrogen/fuel cell industry will take place April 29 at Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education Center – Albany Campus.
Open to prospective students and their home school district counselors, the New Visions: Emerging Technologies information session will run from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on the campus, which is located at 925B Watervliet-Shaker Road in Albany.
Set to launch in September, the Emerging Technologies program will equip students for high-growth careers in semiconductor manufacturing, hydrogen fuel cell technology and other advanced industries. The program will emphasize hands-on learning and career-ready skills, with a strong foundation in problem-solving, precision engineering, mechatronics, automation and quality control. 
These competencies are in demand across a wide range of sectors, including renewable energy and advanced manufacturing—ensuring students are prepared not just for today’s jobs, but for the evolving careers of tomorrow.
The program was developed in collaboration with industry leaders Plug Power and the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science (NY CREATES) and will ensure students gain cutting-edge skills and real-world insights, preparing them for immediate employment or for state-of-the-art apprenticeship programs in the industries.
During the event, prospective students will virtually explore program labs and hands-on curriculum; learn about career pathways and industry partnerships, take part in a question-and-answer session with BOCES officials, as well as experts from NY CREATES and Plug Power, and enjoy lunch provided by students in the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology program.
The partners praised the collaboration as a key tool in building the future workforce.
“At Plug, we recognize that building the workforce of tomorrow starts with investing in students today. This partnership with Capital Region BOCES is an exciting opportunity to equip young talent with the specialized skills needed to thrive in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry. By providing hands-on learning experiences and industry-driven curriculum, we are helping to create a pipeline of highly skilled professionals who will drive the clean energy transition forward,” said Erin Lane, Vice President of Public Affairs at Plug Power.
Officials with NY CREATES concurred.
“This partnership will offer students advanced training in chips R&D and trailblazing technologies, establishing a direct pathway to in-demand engineering careers,” said Dr. Robert Geer, NY CREATES Vice President for Education and Workforce Development. “By aligning continuing education with industry demand, we are ensuring that our workforce is not only prepared for today’s cutting-edge jobs but also equipped to lead the innovative industries of tomorrow.”
The Emerging Technologies program is only open to seniors and is one of two new programs launching for the 2025-26 school year. A Plumbing Technology program is also being created and will join the Emerging Technologies program in the new CTE Extension Center that is being constructed near the Career and Technical Education Center – Albany Campus on Watervliet-Shaker Road in Albany (town of Colonie). Six other programs are being expanded or moved and will also be housed in the 46,377-square-foot facility.
For information on the 28 other programs offered by Capital Region BOCES CTE, visit the program page.