News
June 8, 2022Work-Based Learning Matches Students with Business Partners to Build the Area Workforce
Some work in automotive repair facilities, others in hotel kitchens and still others in hospitals, but they all have one thing in common—gaining professional experience as part of their education at Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School.
Students in nearly all Career and Technical School programs gain experience alongside industry professionals as part of their work-based learning experience at BOCES.
“I enjoy work-based learning (WBL) because we get to explore what our lives will be like in a professional setting,” said Khyonna Riley-Donegal, a culinary student from Shenendehowa who has taken part in work-based learning at The Desmond.
“I enjoy work-based learning because I get to learn stuff while getting out into a work environment,” added Niskayuna Auto Services junior Daniel Miller, who worked and learned in a Midas shop in Colonie.
Through the WBL program, students are placed in approximately 80 worksites across the region, from metal fabricators to hotels and garages. A very small percentage of those turn into paid internships, though they do occur, said James Hass, work-based learning coordinator for Capital Region BOCES. Some also lead to offers of future jobs and careers.
Take for example Joe Lawyer, a Sterile Processing Technician senior from Schoharie.
As part of his training at BOCES, Lawyer has spent countless days at Albany Medical Center working hand-in-hand with sterile processing technicians preparing medical instruments.
“Besides being offered a job at Albany Med, I have also been accepted into (Hudson Valley Community College’s) radiologic technology program,” said Lawyer. “I am going to work at Albany Med in Sterile Processing while going to college at HVCC and that will help out a lot.”
Lawyer said his experiences at Albany Medical Center have been by far his favorite part of attending BOCES.
