News
October 18, 2018New BOCES Pet Tech Program Expands to Meet Demand
It’s not too often that a new section of a class is added after the school year begins, but Capital Region BOCES did just that as a result of the overwhelming popularity of its new Pet Tech program.
An afternoon section launched in mid-September with high school and adult students. Prior to that, only morning class was offered with 20 students from across the region preparing for careers in one of the most in-demand careers in the United States.
Led by veteran teacher Helen Thompson who has experience not only in the classroom, but as a therapy dog handler, dog groomer and horseback riding instructor, Pet Tech students are learning basic care skills for animals, including pet grooming, washing and best practices for boarding animals.
Students are also learning about customer service, written and spoken communication, office and computer skills, phone etiquette, budgeting and money management, inventory and ordering, advertising, basic accounting and business math.
The students say the class is giving them the skills they need to advance their chosen careers.
“I like to work with animals. I currently do work with horses on a farm where we help people with therapy and I want to learn more about that,” said Gabby King, a Pet Tech student from Mohonasen.
Classmate Nina Madella said the class is also helping her with her career aspirations.
“I work in a pet store and I want to get certified and learn more so that I can do better at work,” said the Schalmont student.
Federal labor officials project a 20 percent growth in demand for industry workers over the next eight, more than three times the average growth forecast.
