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March 16, 2022Guilderland Teenager’s Future Heats Up at Capital Region BOCES
For Darielys Maya attending Capital Region BOCES was all about finding the career that is right for her.
“I like hands-on learning and I like to work with heat, so this is a good fit,” said the Guilderland senior.
After nearly two years of learning in the Welding and Metal Fabrication program, the teenager is planning for a career in an industry that she previously knew little or nothing about.
“I look back and never could have imagined myself in a welding lab, but now I can’t imagine myself not,” she said. “In regular school, you sit all day and listen to the teacher. Here, you are up, moving around, doing stuff and learning.”
Maya is one 68 students in the welding program at Capital Region BOCES. She chose the program to explore a new career option and to fuel her creativity , as well as her desire to be active.
“I am into art and took some advanced classes in my school. I like to paint, but now I am exploring sculptures with welding,” she said.
Among the top students in the welding program, Maya is looking to forge a career and pursue additional training.
“I am really interested in learning more about pipe welding, and if I can’t learn more about it at (in college), than I will probably just go into the workforce,” she said.
Maya said BOCES, and specifically the welding program, is a great opportunity for all students.
“There’s nothing bad about having welding skills and it can set you up well professionally,” she said.
Throughout March, in honor of Women’s History Month, the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School is shining spotlight on women in the trades, like Maya, who are challenging stereotypes and building solid futures through their education at Capital Region BOCES
