High school students in Rensselaer, Columbia and Greene counties are now learning hands-on skills in three new career and technical education (CTE) programs offered by Questar III BOCES.
The Clean and Green program prepares seniors for emerging careers that can literally make a world of difference. Students will learn the skills necessary to shape the future in solar/photovoltaic energy, wind technology and energy.
This program responds to local efforts to prepare a “green” workforce. During his visit to Schenectady in January 2011, President Obama touted General Electric’s efforts to develop a renewable energy business as a “model for America” and growing jobs. A 2009 report by the American Solar Energy Society and Management Information Services forecasts the renewable energy and energy efficiency industry could generate up to $4.3 trillion in revenue and create more than 37 million jobs by the year 2030.
A two-year Aviation Maintenance Technology program, based at Rensselaer Educational Center in Troy, will prepare students for a career as a licensed FAA 147 Power Plant and Airframe technician.
Teacher John Mahony said aviation maintenance technology is a rapidly growing field. “Boeing said there’s going to be a 10 percent increase in the need for certified aviation maintenance technicians over the next 10 years. It’s a very good paying job,” Mahony said.
Last year, the organization received a Vietnam era OV-10D Bronco, one of several planes donated to the program. Incidentally, REC is based at the site of the former Troy Airport, a small airport located near the intersection of Campbell Ave. and Industrial Park Rd. until 1964.
Questar III also launched a new Health and Emergency Medical Careers program in response to the growing need for qualified workers. A 2009 survey by the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) found that the recruitment and retention of health professionals (including technicians, nurses and assistants) continues to be a concern.
This one-year program teaches high school seniors about these careers by utilizing classroom instruction, professional speakers and real-life experiences at local health-related facilities.
The three new classes are among two dozen programs offered at Rensselaer Educational Center in Troy, Columbia-Greene Educational Center in Hudson and other locations. These programs (known as CTE, Career Studies or New Visions) are among the more than 270 shared services Questar III offers to schools. BOCES services, which help districts operate more efficiently and cost effectively by pooling their resources, are created when two or more districts have similar needs.
According to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fastest growing careers will be in health care, energy and information technology. To meet that demand locally, school districts have invested in CTE, doubling the number of students it sent from a decade prior. In recent years, Questar III also added programs in aviation; certified nurse aide; heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R); and, mechanical technology.
Questar III Assistant Superintendent Andrew DeFeo said the growth of the Tech Valley region makes career exploration and skills development more important and timely than ever.
“CTE programs can revitalize communities by increasing cooperation among high schools, post-secondary and business. Ultimately, the goal is to prepare students for high-skill, high-wage and high-demand fields,” DeFeo explained.
Questar III students can earn industry certificates and licenses—as well as college credit at Columbia-Greene Community College, Hudson Valley Community College and other institutions, providing students with a head start on the future. Additionally, students earn thousands of dollars in scholarships at regional, statewide and national skills competitions held each year.
With school reform efforts focused on academic achievement and accountability, CTE plays a vital role in helping students and schools meet higher expectations. It also plays a role in retraining adults, who have access to some programming.
The LPN program, based at Hudson High School, is one of the most demanding and in-demand training programs for adult students. Adults can complete the LPN certificate that allows them to take the state boards in one year’s time.
DeFeo said Questar III also continues to work with superintendents, principals and counselors to raise the bar for CTE programs. This includes greater participation in decision making and an intake process that helps schools match students to the right programs.
“Our programs provide for additional choices in public education that may help districts to meet the array of learning styles and abilities students possess. Through Questar III, districts can offer a rich variety of learning experiences for students that are cost prohibitive for them to try to offer on their own,” DeFeo said.
