New Electrical Program Boosts Student Opportunities

SCHOHARIE – A new electrical trades program on the Schoharie Campus of the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School is plugging students in the region into a host of new career opportunities.

Launched at the start of the 2021-22 school year, the Electrical Trades program prepares students for careers as electricians, lineman and within other sectors of the industry. Offered for decades on the Albany Campus, the program teaches students the fundamental skills in electrical theory through classroom instruction and hands-on shop lessons. Graduates can either further their education or enter the field through apprenticeships and go on to become successful residential, commercial and industrial wiring professionals.

A total of 91 students are enrolled in the program this year between the two campuses with nearly two dozen students taking advantage of the new program on the Schoharie campus.

Students say they love the opportunities that training in electrical trades offers.

“Being an electrician is something that can help me with whatever I do as a career. Whether I go into computer technology or being an electrician, knowing how electricity works and how to use it very important,” said Griffin Boehlke, a junior from Duanesburg.

"My brother was in the program in Albany and he is a lineman now and he got me real excited about all of the opportunities you have with the education you get at BOCES,” added classmate Jack Shea, who attends the program from Voorheesville.

A key element of the expanded electrical trades program has been the support of local businesses who are donating time and materials to make the program a success, as well as offering to host students for work-based learning and taking part in career fairs.

Those businesses include Wolberg Electric, Allied Electric Supply, Martin Electric and MIDTEL, said Capital Region BOCES Business Liaison Nancy Liddle.

Jeff Palmer, director of Career and Technical Education at Capital Region BOCES said he is pleased that BOCES could expand the program to Schoharie County.