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May 21, 2025Graduates Return to Recruit Current Capital Region BOCES Students
What better shows the value of a career and technical education then graduates returning to a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center to recruit the next generation of skilled workers?
That was the scenario earlier this year when several Capital Region BOCES graduates returned to CTE on behalf of their current employers.
During career fairs that took place in recent weeks, Kyle Boyd, Tom Rodick and Adam Hatz were among numerous graduates from dozens of employers who sought to hire current students.
“BOCES connects education with everyday life and gives you the skills you need to succeed,” said Rodick, a Class of 2022 graduate of the Network Technology program. Rodick was hired by BBL Construction Services and is receiving a free college education through his employer while working as a property technician.
“I work for BBL doing property maintenance, basically flipping properties for them and preparing them for the next tenants. While I am working, they are fully reimbursing me for my degree, so they are not only paying me a salary, but they are also paying for my college,” said Rodick, who attends Hudson Valley Community College for the Electrical Construction Maintenance program.
Boyd is an Automotive Trades Technology graduate who works for Piedmont Airlines.
“I learned about Piedmont because of Capital Region BOCES. They came to my class and pitched how they will pay for tuition and give you a job. It sounded like a good deal, and it was,” he said.
The Class of 2022 Bethlehem High School graduate attended Mohawk Valley Community College where he earned Air Frame and Powerplant certification paid for by Piedmont and now works for the company as an aircraft maintenance technician.
“BOCES gave me a lot of mechanical knowledge that gave me a competitive advantage in school and at Piedmont,” he said.
Hatz is a Class of 2024 Automotive Trades graduate now employed by TCI of NY.
“It’s been a very good experience and given me a good career path,” he said, adding that while he studied auto repair at BOCES, he “gained skills at BOCES that apply to all different types of jobs.”
Asked about their experiences recruiting at BOCES, the graduates said it was fun and that the current students have skills that are highly marketable.
“I am enjoying coming here and seeing all the kids. They are well prepared and have good questions,” Boyd said.
Nancy Liddle, Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator for Business & Community Partnerships, praised the BOCES graduates and their employers for having a meaning impact on the local, state and national economies.
“These alumni are just a few of the many success stories of CTE that were a direct result of business partners, education and workforce development working together to create sustainable employment opportunities and higher education,” she said.
