News

July 24, 2024

Adult Ed Students Find Opportunities in Renewable Energy at Capital Region BOCES

Students in a trio of new Adult Education programs at Capital Region BOCES say they are hopeful that the drive to create renewable energy resources will provide them with new futures.

BOCES is offering this year an adult education Offshore Wind Career Pathway Program that provides adults with an opportunity to prepare for careers in renewable energy through training in either welding, electrical trades or building trades.

“I always wanted to be in electrical and I am excited to have this opportunity,” said Myke Travis, a Troy resident taking part in the program.

Funded through a partnership with the New York State Energy Research & Development Agency (NYSERDA), the program provides hundreds of hours of technical training specific to the offshore wind industry.’

The program emphasizes core technical skills as a strong foundation, but we will also incorporate industry specific competencies focused on offshore wind and the energy industry.

The welding program lasts 500 hours, the electrical and building trades programs run for 300. All of the programs launched in January and meet several days a week after school hours to provide the adults the opportunity to work while also receiving training.

Students are just weeks from graduating from the program. They praised the program for the opportunities it affords them.

“I like this because it is something new. I want to get a job in the windmill industry and then hopefully, one day, in a shipyard,” said Kenyatta Butler, a welding student from Albany.

“I chose this program because I would like to get a high paying job. These are good skills to have because you can use them everywhere, even your own home,” added Inaijah Gross, an electrical student from Albany.

Funded through a $1.25 million grant Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in October, the programs are designed to expedite New York’s 10-Point Action Plan to expand its thriving large-scale renewable industry.

“This is a great opportunity for the students,” said Adult Education Director Michael Markou. “We are excited provide this to the residents of the area and to partner with the state to advance the offshore wind industry.”