CTE Bulletin

Our society is built by the hands of skilled professionals.

From sustainable energy to advanced manufacturing, CTE students are the essential workers who keep our world moving forward.

At OHM BOCES, we believe that when you master a craft, you secure your independence. Our labs are designed to mimic the modern workplace, ensuring that when you find your path here, you are ready to build your future anywhere in the global market

Happy CTE Month!

SkillsUSA Students Tackle Local Hunger

On Jan. 27, the OHM BOCES chapter of SkillsUSA took a stand against a sobering local statistic: 1 in 5 children in Oneida County experiences food insecurity. In alignment with the SkillsUSA Essential Element of Service Orientation, student leaders hosted a comprehensive food insecurity summit. The event brought together seven major regional organizations to bridge the gap between community needs and Career and Technical Education student action.

The highlight of the event was an expert panel featuring representatives from:

Hope House
Rescue Mission
Feed Our Vets
Veterans Outreach Center
ResQ2feed
Angels Among Us Food Pantry
Food Bank of Central NY

Each agency shared its unique mission in the fight against hunger -- from supporting our veterans to managing large-scale food distribution. The core message of the day was clear: hunger is a community-wide issue that requires a community-wide response.

Following the panel, the event shifted into interactive breakout sessions. This gave CTE students a unique opportunity to meet one-on-one with agency leaders. Rather than just hearing about the problem, students explored tangible ways they could help, identifying specific volunteer roles and service projects to support these organizations.

Service orientation isn't just about a single act of kindness; it's about developing a lifelong habit of recognizing a need and stepping up to fill it. By connecting students directly with the frontline organizations of Oneida County, SkillsUSA is ensuring that the next generation of skilled professionals is also a generation of compassionate community leaders.

Fine Dining at OHM BOCES: Culinary Arts Students Serve Regional Superintendents

On Jan. 15, the OHM BOCES Culinary Arts kitchen was buzzing with professional activity! Students were tasked with preparing and serving a high-level, two-course meal for component superintendents at their Chief School Officers' Meeting. The Menu:

Tomato bisque
Handmade dinner rolls
Braised beef with potato confit

Students managed every aspect of the event, from kitchen management and cooking to professional table service. This practical experience is a hallmark of our program, which prepares students for careers in restaurants, catering, and the broader hospitality industry.

Lifesaving Skills in Action

On Jan. 30, our Criminal Justice students participated in a high-impact, hands-on training session with EMTs from the Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corps. This specialized training focused on the critical skills needed for emergency response, including:

Proper Lifting Techniques: Students learned how to safely handle and move patients to prevent injury.
Patient Transfers: Practical demonstrations on moving patients from various environments.
Stair & Ambulance Loading: Students practiced the precision required to transport patients down stairs and securely into an ambulance using a mobile stretcher.

At OHM BOCES, we are dedicated to providing our students with real-world scenarios that prepare them for the challenges of public safety and emergency medical careers.

Career Exploration in Action: Multi-Occupations Students Gain Real-World Internship Skills

This January, students in the OHM BOCES Multi-Occupations program took their learning on the road to gain invaluable professional experience! Students visited various local businesses, including The Fitness Mill and the Burrstone Inn, to perform essential housekeeping duties and practice foundational workplace skills.

The Multi-Occupations program is designed to encourage students to discover their own abilities and interests through hands-on tasks in several occupational clusters. These real-world opportunities at local partner sites are a vital part of preparing our students for future employment and long-term success in the workforce.

Building Dreams: OHM BOCES Construction Trades Begin Tiny House Project

Big things are happening in our Construction Trades program! In January, students officially broke ground on their most ambitious project yet: building small houses from the ground up. This video takes you through the critical first steps of the build:

The Foundation: Students learned the precision required for setting floor joists, support beams, and sill plates to ensure maximum stability.
Framing: The structure begins to take shape as students practice cutting lumber and drilling into concrete.

This is hands-on learning at its best, providing students with the real-world skills needed for a successful career in the trades. Don't forget to subscribe and stay tuned to see the progress and the finished project.

Connecting Classrooms to Careers: Business Leader Panel & Networking at OHM BOCES

On Jan. 12, OHM BOCES students took a major step toward their professional futures! Students participated in a dynamic panel discussion featuring local business leaders who shared insights on the critical milestones needed for career success. Beyond the discussion, the event provided a platform for students to:

Network directly with industry experts.
Speak one-on-one with professionals to gain deeper career insights.
Submit resumes for future employment opportunities.

Watch as our students bridge the gap between education and the local workforce.

The Career and Technical Education Center

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