Saratoga Career & Tech Programs
BOCES Career & Technical Education Center (formerly Vo-Tec) in Saratoga.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION & FORESTRY
This two-year program aligns with the Society of American Foresters Programs in Forest and Technology standards and procedures. The program emphasizes forest ecology and silviculture, forest management, woods safety, forest land usage, forest protection, fish and wildlife management, forest recreation, trends in urban forestry, and current and emerging environmental conservation issues. Students learn land/forest management practices, tree identification, wildlife identification, tree scaling and lumber grading, timber harvesting and reforestation techniques, orienteering, soil conservation, stream bank repair, equipment safety and operation, and wood utilization/forest products production. Students spend over 75% of their time outdoors in “land labs.” These labs enable students to participate in projects that put theory into practice. There are a number of different types of land labs from entrepreneurial endeavors to community service projects.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE & OPERATION
This two-year program is based on the National Center for Construction Education and Research™ Learning Series for Heavy Equipment and Repair. Modules include introduction to the trade, safety, identification of heavy equipment, basic operational techniques, grades and slopes, diesel engines, and hydraulics. Students learn to operate, maintain, diagnose, and repair heavy equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, bucket loaders, excavators, dump trucks, and skid steers, and apply these skills in “hands on” exercises that include site grading/leveling, materials transportation, and excavation.
HORSE CARE
This two-year program includes training Standardbred horses for racing, using all related tack and equipment. It encompasses equine systems and physiology, nutrition, health, disease, emergency medical care, and stable management. Students learn about bloodlines, breeding, purchasing, selling, the daily care of horses, safe handling of horses, and breaking a yearling. Students spend a majority of their time at the Upstate Equine Vet Clinic where they learn and apply equine and veterinary science on horses.
HORTICULTURE, LANDSCAPING & FLORAL DESIGN
This two-year program aligns with the NYS Nursery & Landscaping Association and incorporates contemporary knowledge, skills, and trends in the horticulture, floral, and landscaping industries. Students design and implement landscaping. They operate and manage on-site greenhouses and floral shops, gaining hands-on experience in retail sales, merchandising, customer service, and shop management. Students have the opportunity to participate in a work-based learning experience.
SMALL ANIMAL SCIENCE
A two-year program based on Industry Standards from National Agricultural, Food & Natural Resources. The Cornell University Veterinary Curriculum is used as the guide for developing topics to be covered. Some topics covered include Personal Safety & Animal Handling, Animal Roles in Society, Veterinary Terminology, Care & Management of Small Animals, Exotic Animals, Microbiology, Biosecurity, Anatomy & Physiology, Various Body Systems: Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, Endocrine, Immune; Animal Reproduction & Genetics, Pharmacology, Parasitology, Physical Exams, Hospital Procedures, Office Management, and Laws & Ethics. Students can earn the following certifications & endorsements: NOCTI Small Animal Science & Technology or Precision Small Companion Animal Science; OSHA 10; Cat and Dog First Aid (American Red Cross); and Groomer (not certified).