An area teenager is receiving a free college education while forging a solid career in manufacturing thanks to an area employer and Capital Region BOCES.
Noah Marbley graduated in June from Schenectady High School and the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education Center’s Manufacturing and Machining Technology program.
He is now working full-time at Greno Industries and attending the Advanced Manufacturing program at Hudson Valley Community College three nights a week.
“I started part-time at Greno in March before I graduated and went full-time in July, and now I am getting a free college education,” he said.
Greno and the New York State Apprenticeship Program is paying for his education at HVCC.
“I try my best and take advantage of the opportunities that are given to me. Greno has given me a really good opportunity and I want to make the best of it,” Marbley said.
Greno is a business partner of Capital Region BOCES and has hosted students such as Marbley for work-based learning, as well as provided experts to guide students and the program curriculum.
“It’s been a very good experience. I am having fun running my own machine now. I have learned a lot here and Greno is also helping me through the state apprenticeship program, so I can earn my journeyman certification,” Marbley said.
Dusten Neahr, a coworker of Marbley at the Rotterdam-based Greno, praised the young worker.
“Noah is very talented and smart,” he said. “Thanks to BOCES, Noah came here with a knowledge of the measurements and he knew how to read code. That’s been a big help to him as he builds his career.”
Students in the Manufacturing and Machining Technology program learn design and prototype skills, as well as how to troubleshoot design problems and undertake the diagnostics necessary to manufacture a part. Students also learn how to operate everything from drill presses to 3D printers.
Marbley praised BOCES for opening his eyes to an exciting career.
“Going to BOCES really helped me figure out what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. When I first started at BOCES, I wanted to be a welder, but I wound up in the manufacturing program and I really liked it,” he said.
“I learned a lot about the manual side of manufacturing, and Mr. (Kody) Skeals was a super great teacher and really, really relaxed,” Marbley said.
Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator-Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle praised the graduate.
“Noah always wants to learn more and expand his knowledge base. I’m confident that Noah is on his way to being a successful journeyman,” she said.
Asked if he had any advice to students considering the program, Marbley said, “Take advantage of the opportunity and pay attention to what you are doing. Doing trades is a super good way to secure a good future.”
For more information on the manufacturing program, visit https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/courses-programs/manufacturing-machining-technology.