NORWOOD, New York (WWNY) – Local employers visited a BOCES center in Norwood on Tuesday to see students in action and to see how what happens in the classroom can transfer to a real job site.
Sparks flying, lifted cars, and painted nails – an average day at Seaway Tech Center in Norwood.
St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES has 3 schools with 1,200 students. That’s half of all juniors and seniors in the county. Local employers got to see the Norwood facility on Tuesday.
“There’s such a need for skilled workers, and the businesses are coming to ask for our students. Most times, our students have employment before they even leave,” said Bianca Christian, work-based learning coordinator, St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES.
BOCES leaders say the most popular programs are automotive, metalworking, and cosmetology.
Taking apart an electric vehicle and putting it back together is what students are working on here, giving students a lesson in technology that’s ever-changing.
“These are new technologies, and they’re not going to go away anytime soon,” said Landin Bice, a St. Lawrence Central senior.
Metalworking students are taking a 4-hour-long state welding test. Passing it means they can hold a state job.
And cosmetology students are painting nails – literally hands-on learning to earn a state license to allow them to work on hair, skin, and nails.
“There’s a long waiting list of girls that actually want to be in this program, and there are a lot of girls who think it’s going to be quick and easy and they can get out of school all day, but it’s not,” said Lauren Jenson, a Massena Central senior.
Programs here are driven by what local businesses need. That’s how the Electrical Technologies program came about – a great fit for St. Lawrence Central senior Lucas Crump.
“I’m intrigued by the idea of installing door security systems and locks and such,” he said.
Employers will visit the other St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES trade schools later this week.
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