Students are putting the ‘petal’ to the metal in fabricating holiday presents as part of their latest project in the Welding and Metal Fabrication program.
Juniors in Cesar Figueroa’s class are fabricating steel roses from scratch for a project that is designed to test and advance their skills and techniques.
“It’s a lot of fun. I get to learn new techniques and be active,” said Abdoul Diallo, who attends the program from Shenendehowa.
Figueroa said the project builds the students’ abilities on a multitude of levels while giving them a tangible project to bring home for the holidays.
“It challenges them to think outside the box and teaches them fine metalworking skills they might not otherwise develop,” he said.
Students said they appreciate the project.
“It allows us to be creative and flexible and learn new skills,” said Aleksey Falcon, who attends the program from Scotia-Glenville High School.
“I love it. I get to learn a different welding procedure. It has my brain moving a lot,” added classmate Jeffrey James of Schenectady.
There are 75 students enrolled this school year in the Capital Region BOCES welding program. Students in the two-year program learn American Welding Society standards and earn certifications that prepare them for a career in the welding industry.
For more information on the Capital Region BOCES Welding and Metal Fabrication program, visit https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/courses-programs/welding-metal-fabrication/.