News

November 13, 2018

Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School Photo Release: Following a Family Tradition

Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School junior April Richards prepares a torch for cutting at the Albany campus recently. Richards, of Guilderland, is pursuing career training through Capital Region BOCES as a welder after being introduced to the skill career by her family.

“I think welding is fun. My dad and grandfather both do a lot of it and I have always thought it was fun,” said Richards. “I plan to make a career out of it because it is fun and it offers lot of opportunities,”  said Richards.

Richards is one of approximately 60 students in the welding program run by Capital Region BOCES on the Albany and Mohonasen campuses. Those students learn American Welding Society standards and earn certifications that prepare them for a career in the welding industry.

With 13 percent growth in new jobs in the industry forecast by the Labor Department, the BOCES welding program offers students a solid career opportunity in high school.

“We receive calls almost daily from employers looking to hire our students. These skills are so in demand that we can’t keep up with the requests,” said Nancy Liddle, a Capital Region BOCES business liaison.