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August 3, 2022New Technology Will Spark Growth Among Capital Region BOCES Welding Students
Students moving into the new, state-of-the-art Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School, Albany Campus will have copious amounts of new technology to utilize and prepare them for the workforce.
One example of the way students will be prepared with the latest and greatest technology is the addition of a Lincoln Electric VRTEX welding simulator for students in the Welding & Metal Fabrication program.
Funded in part through a $25,000 grant from the American Welding Society, the simulator will provide “continuous feedback that will assist students by helping them realize what they need to do to achieve high-quality workmanship,” said teacher Don Mattoon.
“The continuous feedback generated by the VRTEX system will assist students by helping them immediately realize what they need to do to achieve high-quality workmanship,” added Nancy Liddle, Capital Region BOCES senior business liaison.
“The Lincoln Electric VRTEX welding simulator will be ideal for developing students’ progression of skills in welding while staying up to date with the latest training technology,” Liddle added.
Mattoon said the simulator uses virtual reality technology to help students hone their skills and help recruit potential students.
“This will help with recruiting potential welding students and even parents can use the equipment during open houses to see what their child is working on in class,” he said.
There were 68 students enrolled in the two-year program during the 2021-22 school year. The program teaches students American Welding Society standards and provides them the opportunity to earn certifications that prepare them for a career in the welding industry.
The Career and Technical School at 925 Watervliet-Shaker Road in Albany is opening for students on Sept. 6. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for Aug. 16.
The new campus is outfitted with modern labs and learning spaces to prepare students and adults for current and future industry needs, is scheduled to open in the coming weeks.
The Lincoln Electric VRTEX welding simulator will be ideal for developing students’ progression of skills in welding while staying up to date with the latest training technology,” Liddle added.
