A coalition of dignitaries, educators and students celebrated on Tuesday, Oct. 8 the completion of a year-long project that brought a new program and renovated labs and classrooms to the Career & Technical Education Center – Schoharie Campus.
During a ceremony in front of the Welding and Metal Fabrication lab, more than 100 people celebrated the work and the partnerships with industry, education and government that made it possible.
The Honorable Chris Tague, Assemblymember, Assembly District 102, and a 1987 graduate of the Capital Region BOCES Schoharie Campus, praised BOCES for its commitment to the region.
“Capital Region BOCES is constantly developing innovative programs and services to meet the changing needs of students and businesses. Their CTE program prepares its students for in-demand careers, and the program also addresses the needs of high-growth industries and helps close the skills gap,” the assemblymember said.
Welding and Metal Fabrication students Anais Trombley, from Middleburgh, and Elijah MacNeil, from Schalmont, addressed the standing-room-only crowd.
“I am proud to have the privilege to be attending CTE and be somewhere individuals do not have to question if they belong. The opportunities are endless, and you meet amazing people who contribute to shaping your future,” said Trombley.
MacNeil said “BOCES has given me a wealth of knowledge and opportunities, providing an education that’s valuable and puts me in a position to land a job in the field right out of school.”
He added that the transition from the Albany Campus to the Schoharie Campus for his senior year made him “skeptical.”
“But the instant I stepped into class here on Sept. 5, I was no longer skeptical. The environment is just that good,” he said.
Tague joined Shane Gilchrest, Director of Office of Fleet Administration for the New York State Department of Transportation, in speaking to the value of the education provided at Capital Region BOCES CTE.
“Coming here to this educational institution changed my life,” Tague said, noting that prior to entering a CTE classroom his enjoyment of learning and going to school was minimal.
Gilcrest noted the value to the local and state economy of the students and the education they receive. “It’s important that we all continue to work together for the benefit of these young people who are so important to the economy of New York,” he said.
Completed last month, the capital project allowed for the expansion of the popular Welding and Metal Fabrication program to the Schoharie Campus.
Also included in the project were renovations on the classrooms and labs of the Automotive Trades Technology, Cosmetology and Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology programs. Among the upgrades in those classrooms were the addition of new vehicle lifts, updated culinary equipment and ventilation systems.
Also, a new five-bay, 4,500-square-foot building was constructed to house the Heavy Equipment Operation, Maintenance & Repair program’s equipment.
Finally, on the safety front, a new driveway configuration was completed, allowing drivers to enter the campus at one location and leave at another. That work has eased congestion and increased the safety for those turning onto, and off, state Route 30A. Career and Technical Education Director Jeff Palmer said the project underscores BOCES’ dedication to students and building the workforce and the community. “These renovations are a testament to our commitment to providing top-tier facilities that support the exceptional programs we offer,” he said.