Capital Region Career & Tech Programs
The following programs are offered to a limited number of juniors and seniors at the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School (formerly Vo-Tec) in Colonie. They are part of the regular school program. Students typically spend half a day (AM or PM) at Career & Tech and the rest at BH-BL.
Detailed descriptions of these courses are available through your counselor. Students in many programs continue their studies in college, and some courses allow students to earn early college credit.
Criteria for Participation in BOCES CTE Programs
Interested students must:
- Demonstrate strong daily attendance.
- Complete required ninth and tenth grade academic courses.
- Demonstrate appropriate conduct and behavior in school
The Tech Prep programs listed below are the result of partnerships with local colleges. Through hands-on training, Tech Prep students learn about the field from industry-trained instructors and earn college credits in the process. Upon completion of the one-year program, students are ready to go on to college with a strong academic foundation, advanced technical skills and a college transcript.
AUTO BODY I
Students learn how to repair and refinish today’s vehicles and return them to pre-accident condition. They use single-stage paint, base coat, clear coat as well as three stage pearl finishes. From preparing for paint to spraying paint and adding the final details, students learn what is needed to get cars looking good again. Students also work towards obtaining an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.
AUTO BODY II
Students repair damaged vehicles back to pre-accident condition. They learn the proper way to repair vehicles per manufacturer’s recommendations. Students perform high-tech welding methods such as MIG and STRSW as well as Nitrogen plastic welding. Additionally, students will create damage appraisals, calculate repair costs, and establish estimates. Students can work towards obtaining an Automotive Services Excellence (ASE) certification. The program is accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE).
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN – AYES
Students can learn the basics of auto technology in their junior and senior years while receiving paid and unpaid work experience at a local auto dealership. Students in this program are prepared for National Automotive Service Excellence certification. The program is NATEF/ ASE certified and supported by General Motors and Chrysler Corporation. Students can also earn college credit.
AUTOMOTIVE TRADES TECHNOLOGY I & II
From computerized diagnostics to hands-on repair, students will learn to repair and maintain all types of cars and trucks. This two-year program takes them from engine theory and customer relations to the use of specialized tools and equipment. Many graduates go on to college or automotive training schools to qualify for more advanced jobs.
BUILDING TRADES I & II
In this two-year course students will learn skills through standardized craft training programs developed by the Home Builders Institute (HBI) and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). They will learn about green construction, insulation and energy conservation. On- and off-campus projects provide valuable, real-life experience. Students who pass written exams and performance tests gain a portable skill set and may earn HBI and NCCER certifications, which are recognized by contractors and employers nationwide.
COSMETOLOGY I & II (2 years plus summer school)
This program offers theory and practical experience to assure that students receive a complete and balanced training in all phases of this most interesting and challenging occupation. The cosmetology classroom is fully equipped with facilities and equipment one would find in a modern beauty salon. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the New York State Licensing exam.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE I & II
This two-year program focuses on civil and criminal law, emergency tactics, patrol functions, crime prevention and detention equipment, polygraph techniques, fingerprinting, investigation methods, client contact and business management.
CULINARY ARTS & HOSPITALITY TECHNOLOGY I & II
This program provides students with foundations in quality food preparation from American to classical cuisine. Areas of emphasis include meats, poultry, seafood, appetizers, soups, sauces and beverages. The course can be taken for one or two years.
CULINARY ARTS – TECH PREP
Students who want to cook at a higher degree will be interested in the Tech Prep Culinary Arts program. Students receive college credit and begin preparing for a college degree while they’re still in high school though an accelerated curriculum that features the full spectrum of culinary techniques. They’ll learn about restaurant management, international cuisines, health and nutrition. Internships at local businesses help bring classroom work to life.
DIESEL TECH I & II
Medium and heavy-duty trucks require educated and experienced technicians for their maintenance and repair. Students in this two-year program will work on late-model trucks and diesel engines. They’ll learn electrical and electronic theory, which they will apply to computerized control systems used on today’s trucks. They’ll also learn how to service and maintain steering, suspension, chassis and braking systems. Alternative fuels, such as biodiesel, and hybrid vehicle technology will also be studied. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-style testing during the program prepares students to pursue certification after graduation. Upon completion of the program, students may secure employment as entry-level technicians or advance their education and training. Medium/Heavy-Duty Truck Repair at Career & Tech is the only high school-level program in the state to earn certification by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation/Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (NATEF/ASE).
DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGN
This two-year program prepares students for creative careers in web design, multimedia communications, graphic design and other related areas. Students develop professional level skills in Adobe software applications and learn to apply design processes and design theory to improve the quality and consistency of their work. In addition to digital output, the classroom lab provides specialty printing experiences including wide format poster and banner printing, dye sublimation printing on metal, ceramics and textiles as well as t-shirt transfer printing. Students demonstrate their technical abilities through the Adobe Certified Expert Program. In a two-year period, it is possible for students to earn up to five industry recognized certifications. This combined with work samples provides students with the opportunity to graduate with an impressive portfolio. For real-world experience, students participate in a variety of work-based learning activities designed to provide professional level practice including exposure to the expectations they will encounter in their future employment.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION I & II
Interested in a career in education or operating your own daycare center? The Early Childhood Education program is for you! In this new course, students learn the fundamentals of how children develop as they prepare for entry-level employment or further educational training. Students learn the basics and methodology of child development and early childhood education while gaining a solid foundation in classroom arrangement, classroom management and curriculum development for infants/toddlers/preschoolers and young children. Students will also learn how to communicate and work with parents/guardians and staff in an education setting. Through on-site work-based learning in a daycare center, students also gain formal childcare hours required to apply for Child Development Associate (CDA) certification.
ELECTRICAL TRADES I & II
Experienced electricians are in serious demand. This program offers students the opportunity to learn basic electrical skills and progress to the cutting-edge of 21st-century green technologies. Students learn fundamental skills in electrical theory, and through classroom instruction and hands-on shop lessons, they can become successful residential wiring professionals. In each theory class and lab, students construct the circuits discussed, gaining skill and experience as they move from residential into commercial and industrial wiring. The materials, meters, and methods used in Electrical Trades gives students an in-depth understanding of their field and the knowledge needed to work with the latest environmentally friendly technologies. Electrical Trades students may earn advanced standing in the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC) and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) programs.
ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY I & II
Based at the historic Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, students in this program experience the world of theater and film production, hands-on building skills and knowledge. Students learn about the technical aspects of theatre and film production including history, art and design interpretation, scenery construction and painting techniques, tools and equipment, sound and recording, stage electrics and lighting and. costuming and makeup. Backstage education is complemented by experiences in performance, art, music and practical building trades in a fun and creative atmosphere. Internships and job shadowing advance students’ marketable skills while helping them explore careers First-year students can earn credit for integrated science, and second-year students can earn credit for integrated English. Upon completion of the program, students are well-prepared to continue their studies at college or enter the workforce. This program is a direct pathway into the Entertainment Technology program at Fulton-Montgomery Community College (FMCC).
GAME DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION
This is a two-year program for students interested in the creative worlds of video game design, 3-D modeling, and computer programming. Students learn the history of games from ancient times to present. They create board games, card games and dice games while learning the fundamentals of Game Design. Then students create digital games using Game Maker software, GameSalad and Unity. Students will explore various art concepts during the first year and 3D modeling during the second year. Finally, students will design their own video games in groups as well as create a virtual video game design company.
GLOBAL FASHION STUDIES
In this two-year program students will learn about garment theory, textiles, fashion and apparel manufacturing, sales and promotion and college and career opportunities. First-year students will focus on merchandising; second-year students will learn about marketing and master National Retail Federation customer service standards. The course features specialized software, hands-on projects, lectures and guest speakers, videos, field trips, job shadowing and internships and community service. Through a year-long entrepreneurship project, students design a product, conduct market research and then produce and sell their creations. They create a professional portfolio to showcase their best work and earn college credits. After completing Global Fashion Studies, students may start their careers or advance their education at college.
HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION (HVAC/R)
This two-year program teaches the skills and technical knowledge required for entry-level employment in this challenging field. Units of instruction include heating, refrigeration, air-conditioning systems, heating pumps, reverse-cycle systems, heat loss and cooling load calculations, electrical circuit troubleshooting and repair and solar energy. Students participate in highly individualized lab projects.
INTERNET APPLICATION DESIGN
Students interested in designing for the Web, creating smartphone apps or videos, or learning about the latest security software will love this program. This one-year course teaches Web technology for web designers, video creation, Internet security, servers, e-commerce and smartphone applications. Students will be prepared to take Adobe Certified Associate exams in Dreamweaver and Flash. Upon completion, students may continue their Career & Tech studies in Gaming, MultiMedia & Web Design or Computer & Network Technician/Information Technology.
NURSE ASSISTANT
This can be a one- or two-year program, and is a great starting place for students who want to work as supportive caregivers in a health-care setting or who want to pursue further education in nursing or other health-related careers. Students will learn total patient care in the classroom and through off-campus, supervised clinical experiences. They will prepare for the New York State Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) exam. Such certification qualifies CNAs to work in any nursing home in the state.
WELDING & METAL FABRICATION
Welders and sheet metal fabricators are in high demand globally. The Welding & Sheet Metal Fabrication program teaches students the skills and techniques necessary for success in a field that values well-trained, experienced workers. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to enter the workforce or go for more advanced training at specialized technical schools or colleges.