CTE Bulletin

On Feb. 3, the Automotive Technology program received a significant boost toward student success. Lithia Motors presented a check for $50,000, marking the latest milestone in a flourishing, long-term partnership dedicated to workforce development.

The relationship between Lithia Motors and OHM BOCES goes far beyond financial support. It is a comprehensive collaboration that directly impacts students through:

• Internships that provide real-world shop experience.
• Career Days and classroom presentations from industry professionals.
• Mock Interviews to help students refine their professional communication skills.

This partnership creates a vital "talent pipeline" for local Lithia dealerships. Many OHM BOCES graduates have already found successful careers within the Lithia family, filling essential roles such as technicians, service advisors, assistant service managers, and estimators.

“The donation will help keep our programs up to date so that we can continue to help students find success in their future,” noted program officials. By staying current with evolving automotive technology, OHM BOCES ensures its students remain at the forefront of the industry.

Over the course of three days, 12 Criminal Justice 1 students completed the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification course, taught by instructor Mr. Ames (NYS AEMT-CIC and AHA Instructor).

Students gained hands-on training in scene safety and medical emergency identification; bleeding control and tourniquet application; EpiPen and Narcan administration; and adult, child and infant CPR. They also learned to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). All 12 students received their BLS certification cards, valid for two years.

OHM BOCES recently opened its doors to the community for the annual CTE and P-TECH Open House. Held on Mar. 11, under the theme "Find your path. Build your future," the event provided students and families with a firsthand look at how OHM BOCES prepares the next generation for high-wage, high-demand careers. Throughout the evening, attendees explored state-of-the-art facilities and labs equipped with modern industry technology. Industry-expert instructors were on hand to discuss the more than 20 diverse programs offered, including:

• Traditional CTE Courses: 15 different career-focused paths.
• New Visions Programs: Advanced, honors-level career exploration for seniors.
• MiTech: Specialized programming designed for 9th and 10th graders.

Families also learned about the P-TECH OHM program, a unique partnership that allows students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree from Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) at no cost. With 12 approved degree pathways ranging from Cybersecurity to Mechanical Engineering Technology, P-TECH offers a clear bridge between high school and the modern workforce.

“The demand for career and technical education continues to surge as students seek to complement their high school experience with specialized skills,” said Mike Hoover, Principal of the Career and Technical Education Center. “This Open House is the perfect moment for students to find the path that excites them.”

The OHM BOCES continues to serve 12 component school districts by providing the collaborative projects and academic rigor essential for student success in both higher education and professional careers.

On Feb. 25, the OHM BOCES chapter of SkillsUSA presented their annual donation to Feed Our Vets, marking the ninth year of this student-led community outreach tradition. While this initiative is a long-standing staple for the Career and Technical Education center, the impact remains significant. This year, the drive successfully collected 2,125 items, with the final donation weighing in at 907 pounds of essential supplies.

This project serves as a primary example of the SkillsUSA Program of Work in action. By organizing the fundraiser, students moved beyond their technical trades to develop workplace skills such as project management, financial literacy and collaboration. The initiative allowed students from various programs to work together toward a single mission of supporting those who served.

Feed Our Vets remains a critical partner for OHM BOCES. Their work providing food assistance to veterans and their families provides a direct way for our students to see the tangible impact of their efforts. We are incredibly proud of our SkillsUSA members for their leadership and for their dedication to supporting such a meaningful cause within the Mohawk Valley.

For more information about SkillsUSA, visit https://www.skillsusa.org and to learn how you can help support Feed Our Vets, visit https://feedourvets.org.

During the Superintendent's Conference Day on Mar. 20, Criminal Justice 2 students voluntarily participated in a specialized practical skills training session to strengthen their competencies in the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program. The session featured hands-on instruction from experienced emergency medical professionals, including EMTs and paramedics from Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corps, New Hartford Fire Department and Madison County Ambulance. Under the guidance of Mr. Ames, students participated in comprehensive medical and trauma skills laboratories that covered essential clinical techniques and emergency response protocols. This practical training directly prepared students for the upcoming NYS Practical Skills Examination, a critical milestone in their certification journey.

The Criminal Justice 2 EMT program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become NYS Department of Health (DOH) Certified EMTs. Upon successful completion of the program and passing both the practical and written examinations, graduates earn professional certification that opens doors to careers in emergency medical services and public safety.

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