One of the great things about the capstoning/shadowing opportunities at the career and technical education centers at Orleans/Niagara BOCES, is that students get real-world experience before leaving high school. Work-based Learning Coordinator Susan Zola says that these intense learning experiences bridge classroom theory with practical applications in the work world and often lead to job offers after the student completes their education. “We vet the companies that our students are placed at to make sure that they are not only in safe and supportive environment, but will get a chance to use their skills in their senior year. It is a great opportunity for them to collaborate with a mentor and apply their knowledge at a job site and gain those soft skills they need to be employable.”
Currently, Orleans Career and Technical Education Center Welding student Cody Stanton is working for HVAC company MJ Mechanical Services, Inc. The Lockport senior was excited when his boss/mentor Joe Barnett asked him if he would like to assist in a project at MAHLE Behr Troy Inc in his hometown. Not only was it a great opportunity to work on big two-year project for MJ Mechanical, he got a chance to see his father during his time there, who is an employee of MAHLE. “This has been great and I am really enjoying my time working with this team on this project,” Cody says.
Mr. Barnett could not say enough fantastic things about Cody when Mrs. Zola stopped in to visit the site and see Cody’s progress. “He is one of the hardest working people,” he says. “He has a great work ethic and he is enthusiastic. I would hire him in a minute if he wants to work here after he graduates.” He told Mrs. Zola to send him any more students who had the skills and the attitude that Cody has. “I am really glad to have a chance to partner with BOCES.”