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January 26, 2023A Snowy Lesson They Can Dig into – Really!
This week’s snow provided high school juniors from across the region with what was the first opportunity many of them to really dig into their learning at the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical Education Center – Schoharie Campus.
Students in the Heavy Equipment and Construction program learn the knowledge and skills necessary to enter construction industry or pursue further education in college or technical school. They learn everything from maintenance skills and how to construct a building to equipment operation, including use of a plow, dozer and front end loaders used to clear and remove snow. They also learn site preparation and, of course, snow removal.
In the attached photos, high school juniors Jacob Doherty, from Schoharie High School, Cal Jones and Deagan Makarowski from Cobleskill-Richmondville High School, and Avery Knight from Duanesburg practice their new skills during this week.
“BOCES gives you a lot of great opportunities to operate some great pieces of machinery. Luckily, I can be a part of this great program,” said Makarowski.
Several graduates of the Capital Region BOCES Construction/Heavy Equipment program have been hired by the New York State Department of Transportation; others by county and town highway departments around the region. Still others, like current Voorheesville High School and Construction/Heavy Equipment senior Alex Stapf operate successful snow removal businesses.
During recent recruiting events, representatives of New York State DOT and area county highway departments have actively pursued Capital Region BOCES students because of those skills.
“It’s important for us to get out name out there and inform young people that we are a viable opportunity,” Marty McClune, director of operations at Albany County Department of Public Work, said during an event last school year.
There are currently more than 60 students from Schoharie, Schenectady and Albany counties enrolled in the Construction/Heavy Equipment Program.
