BOCES Project Electrifies and Fabricates Real-World Learning

CRCS's Gehrig Miller working on the project.

SCHOHARIE – Faculty at the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical Education Center – Schoharie Campus are collaborating to create a real-world scenario for students in a pair of skilled trades programs.

Students in the Electrical Trades and Building Trades programs are hard at work constructing a section of a room, complete with light fixtures, roof, windows and door.

The project in the Building Trades lab on the campus is creating a temporary divider between the laboratory and classroom that has the appearance of a section of a house.

“It’s a real good experience. We are learning a lot, like roofing,” said Cobleskill-Richmondville senior Gehrig Miller, a second year student in the Building Trades program.

Building Trades Teacher Matt Hitchcock said the project is a great experience for the students.

“They are learning siding, tiling, door framing, various roofing techniques and collaborating with students in the electrical trades program,” he said.

Electrical Trades teacher Curtis Van Steel concurred.

“This is a nice collaborative project. We are wiring it, adding outlets, piping,” he said. “Students are learning various techniques and roles on the job site.”

Students in both programs regularly take part in work-based learning with area employers. This project, Van Steel said, allows them to get the feel of that experience while remaining on the Schoharie campus.

Schoharie High School senior Adrian Lindemann was designated foreman of the electrical work on the job site and like many small businessman, that is a working role, not only overseeing employees and their work, but also performing tasks.

“I like it a lot. It’s giving me real world experience in a lot of areas and I am learning how to manage people and resources,” said the aspiring union electrician.