CTE Bulletin

On May 21, 11 OHM BOCES Criminal Justice 2 students passed the NYS Emergency Medical Technician Practical Skills Examination (PSE), a rigorous, hands-on assessment that evaluated their ability to provide emergency medical care in real-world scenarios. During the examination, students demonstrated their proficiency across six practical skills stations in simulated patient scenarios while being evaluated by experienced EMS personnel.

Under the instruction of OHM BOCES Criminal Justice teacher Noel Ames, an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) and NYS Certified Instructor Coordinator (CIC), these students completed more than 150 hours of rigorous coursework, including classroom lectures, hands-on skills labs, 41 chapter quizzes, eight module exams and a final class exam. They also completed clinical ride time with local ambulance services, where they documented at least 10 patient contacts each and gained invaluable hands-on experience.

Having passed the PSE, these students are now prepared to take the New York State EMT written exam, the final step toward full certification. Their achievement exemplifies the power of hands-on technical learning at Career and Technical Education Centers like OHM BOCES, where students gain the practical skills and real-world experience needed to launch meaningful careers in public service immediately upon graduation.

We are grateful to our local EMS partners: AmCare Ambulance, Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Kunkel Ambulance Service, Utica Fire Department and Vineall Ambulance for allowing our students to complete clinical ride time. Without their commitment to training and mentorship, our students would not have gained the real-world experience and professional guidance essential to becoming competent, confident Emergency Medical Technicians. Congratulations to our future EMTs!

On April 28, students from the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OHM) BOCES Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) took their environmental knowledge into the field at the annual Oneida County Envirothon, held at the Utica Zoo and the NY Energy Zone.

Competing alongside student teams from 10 additional area schools, CTE students visited testing stations designed to challenge their expertise in critical ecological fields. The competition evaluated teams on five core topics: forestry, aquatics, soils, wildlife and current environmental issues.

Demonstrating outstanding technical skill, OHM BOCES Team One captured first place in the Forestry category. This outdoor competition provided a perfect opportunity for students to apply the complex theory, hands-on labs and appropriate work skills learned throughout their specialized courses, such as the Conservation and Animal Science programs. By collaborating to solve real-world ecological problems, the participants embodied the OHM BOCES mission to prepare all learners for a dynamic world through inclusive educational opportunities.

The OHM BOCES congratulates all of the participants in the Envirothon. Their participation showcases their commitment to environmental stewardship, and proves that when students apply their classroom knowledge to real-life challenges, we truly are better together.

On April 28, the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OHM) BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) program showcased the exceptional talents of its students during the annual CTE Wars competition. The event, held at the Howard D. Mettelman Learning Center, brought together students, educators and industry leaders for a day of technical demonstrations and collaborative discussions.

The day began with a warm welcome from CTE Principal Michael Hoover. Following the opening remarks, members of the CTE Advisory Council and Consultant Committees, comprising local professionals and business partners, were invited into various lab settings to judge industry-specific competitions and showcases.

Students presented complex projects they had developed over several weeks, applying the theory and technical skills learned throughout their programs. This competition provided a unique platform for learners to receive real-world feedback from experts currently working in the fields they are pursuing.

Following the conclusion of the student competitions, the Advisory Council and Consultant Committee members held joint meetings to discuss program alignment with emerging industry needs. These active partnerships ensure that our CTE programs continue to provide students with the appropriate work skills and knowledge to succeed in high-wage, high-demand careers.

The OHM BOCES and the CTE programs extend their sincere gratitude to all CTE Advisory Council and Consultant Committee members, as well as our partner organizations. We thank you for sharing your expertise with the next generation of industry professionals and for your steadfast commitment to advancing technical education to suit the dynamic world of today and tomorrow.

The Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OHM) BOCES’ SkillsUSA chapter recently participated in this year’s New York State Leadership and Skills Conference in Syracuse.

On April 22-24, OHM BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) students attended the state conference and displayed exceptional professionalism, leadership, teamwork and technical skills while participating in several competitions.

Construction Trades student Alex Phelps (Whitesboro) placed third in the Masonry competition, which challenges students to construct complex brick and block projects based on industry blueprints, testing their skill, speed and precision in masonry techniques. Phelps also took third place in last year’s Masonry competition.

Nursing Assistant student Grace Deal (Notre Dame) was elected as a NYS SkillsUSA State Officer for the 2026-27 school year. Deal will attend the national delegate sessions at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference from June 1-6 in Atlanta, GA. At these sessions, the delegates will select the National Officers and consider any proposed changes to the organization's by-laws.

Additionally, the OHM BOCES chapter of SkillsUSA was named a gold-level Chapter of Distinction by the Chapter Excellence Program (CEP) for the ninth year in a row. The CEP recognizes achievement as it relates to integrating the SkillsUSA Framework in chapter Program of Work (PoW) activities. The more a chapter applies the Framework, the greater its chance for CEP honors.

“The SkillsUSA conference is a premier platform for our students to demonstrate their hard work and professionalism on a statewide stage," said Michael Hoover, principal of the OHM BOCES Career and Technical Education Center. "I am proud of how our students represented OHM BOCES CTE. Their dedication reflects the high caliber of our programs and the bright futures of these young professionals. We look forward to building on this momentum and bringing even more student leaders to this exceptional event next year.”

SkillsUSA is a nonprofit partnership of students, teachers and industry professionals working together to offer leadership and citizenship development to complement students’ career and technical education (CTE) skills training. Chapters and their members are also able to participate in local, state and national SkillsUSA competitions.

On April 21, the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OHM) BOCES Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) hosted its annual job fair at the Howard D. Mettelman Learning Center, marking a significant milestone for students preparing to enter the workforce.

The event brought together seniors from the CTE programs and juniors from the Pathways in Technology Early-College High School (P-TECH) program. In total, students met with industry professionals from 32 local businesses, allowing them to build professional connections, discover immediate job openings and explore long-term career pathways.

This job fair serves as a vital component of the OHM BOCES mission to develop and deploy leading-edge educational services, career opportunities and support services essential to all students’ success. By working alongside state-of-the-art equipment in their shops and laboratories throughout the year, these students were well-prepared to discuss their technical and transferable skills to potential employers.

Through these collaborative partnerships, students gained firsthand insight into the industries they are preparing to lead, ranging from construction and automotive technology to health services and emerging cyber security fields.

The OHM BOCES extends a special thank you to the industry professionals who took time to meet with students and continue to support the next generation of technology leaders.

The Career and Technical Education Center programs focus on preparing students for employment, careers or post-secondary education through the development of technical and 21st-century skills. Working with state-of-the-art equipment, students apply theory and knowledge to a wide range of real life work assignments in shops and laboratories. In addition to technical skills, students learn critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, positive employment attitudes, job seeking skills, familiarization with related career opportunities and college readiness.

Email: mhoover@oneida-boces.org

Website: https://www.oneida-boces.org
Location: 4747 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY, USA
Phone: 315-793-8666
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohmboces1/
Twitter: @ohmboces