BOCES across New York have been instrumental in developing these innovative programs and many more in recent years. These BOCES career programs are not created in isolation; they are the result of close collaboration with business partners. This partnership ensures that investments in education and opportunities for young people are directly aligned with the economic priorities of regions throughout the state. This article aims to emphasize the crucial role that BOCES career programs play in addressing the growing need for skilled workers in today’s economy. Furthermore, it highlights how these programs provide students with high-quality and cost-effective learning pathways that set them up for successful and productive futures, all while contributing to a robust and thriving economy in partnership with business and industry.
Leading the Charge in a Modern Economy
While CTE programs might have been perceived in the past as primarily vocational training for students heading directly into the workforce after high school, today’s BOCES career programs are far more multifaceted and dynamic. Students enrolled in these programs benefit from instruction from experienced educators and gain invaluable practical experience in real-world job settings through partnerships with businesses and industries. However, the learning journey extends beyond the classroom and workplace. Every BOCES in New York has established articulation agreements with numerous colleges and universities. These agreements enable CTE students to earn college credits while still in high school, providing a significant head start on their higher education goals. In fact, data from a 2019 survey of 37 BOCES revealed that over half of the 2018 BOCES graduates continued their education at the college level, demonstrating the strong academic foundation provided by these career programs.
Just as CTE programs have undergone a significant transformation, the modern labor market is considerably more complex than previous generations. Consider the emergence of programs like “Advanced Manufacturing” and “Health Science Careers” in various regions. These BOCES career programs often connect students with internships or apprenticeships at local technology companies or hospitals while simultaneously allowing them to accrue college credits. Graduates may then pursue advanced industry certifications or a two-year or four-year college degree, maintaining valuable connections with business and industry throughout their educational and career journeys. In some instances, employers may even provide tuition reimbursement for further education, underscoring the value they place on the skills and experience gained through BOCES career programs. These programs, fueled by robust business partnerships, act as a catalyst for this type of integrated career pathway, providing students with the necessary education, professional networks, and real-world experiences. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are well-equipped to adapt and thrive as their careers advance and the job market continues to evolve.
Many of the BOCES career programs launched in recent years are strategically aligned with high-growth industries. Approximately two-thirds of the nearly 70 new programs introduced in the past three years are concentrated in sectors projected to experience the highest job growth in the coming decade, according to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These key sectors include healthcare, construction, computer and mathematical occupations, renewable energy, education, and various service industries. As our economy continues to evolve and the population ages, students enrolled in CTE programs are positioned to play an increasingly vital role in the workforce. The primary objective of BOCES career programs is not simply immediate job placement; it is to provide students with a relevant and meaningful entry point into fields where substantial career opportunities will emerge in the years ahead.
Ready for Work: Closing the Middle Skills Gap
While the ongoing evolution of CTE programs is essential, the immediate value of robust BOCES career program offerings that equip students for direct entry into the workforce with quality jobs cannot be overstated. Between 2018 and 2028, several skilled trades are projected to experience faster-than-average job growth. Occupations such as electricians, HVAC technicians, broadcast and sound engineers, plumbers, and chefs and head cooks are all anticipated to grow by 10 percent or more in certain regions. Across New York State, BOCES have a proven history of providing graduates with the essential knowledge, technical skills, practical experiences, and professional connections necessary for success in these high-demand fields and many others.
In fact, numerous organizations at the local, regional, and national levels are advocating for a renewed emphasis on Career & Technical Education to address the prevalent shortage of skilled workers in many sectors. The National Skills Coalition, for example, warns of a looming “middle skills gap” and its potential impact on our economy. They define middle-skill jobs as those requiring more than a high school education but not necessarily a four-year college degree. These crucial roles encompass a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, technology, automotive, hospitality, and various other trades and service areas. According to the coalition, “middle skills” jobs constitute the largest segment of the labor market in both New York State and the national economy. However, “key industries in New York are unable to find enough sufficiently trained workers to fill these jobs,” highlighting the urgent need for skilled professionals in these sectors.
From construction and culinary arts to healthcare and HVAC, the spectrum of “middle skills” career opportunities is vast and diverse. BOCES career programs across the state are uniquely positioned to provide students with the targeted training and education needed to excel in these fields. Furthermore, these programs provide a solid foundation for students to pursue further education and training, allowing them to continually advance their skills and careers should they choose to do so.
Partners in Progress: Collaborating with Business and Industry
The strength and relevance of BOCES career programs are significantly enhanced by their deep-rooted partnerships with the business and industry community. Across New York State, representatives from over 4,700 businesses actively participate on BOCES CTE advisory councils. These invaluable partners provide crucial insights and guidance to ensure that existing programs remain current and aligned with evolving industry trends. They also play a vital role in shaping new BOCES career programs to directly support the economic development goals of each region. As regions across the state prioritize growth in specific sectors through the Regional Economic Development Councils, business partners collaborate closely with BOCES to tailor programs that effectively address these specific workforce needs. Examples of these collaborative initiatives include programs in medicine, healthcare laboratories, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, cybersecurity, and many other fields, depending on the unique economic priorities of each region. This extensive network of business partners ensures that BOCES career programs remain highly relevant to industry demands, creating a robust pipeline of skilled workers who contribute significantly to the local economy.
An Integral Part of a Comprehensive Education
For students, BOCES career programs offer a dynamic blend of active, hands-on learning and the opportunity to directly apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. Students forge valuable connections with potential future employers, gaining a competitive edge in the job market. These programs also offer a pathway to reduce the overall cost of college or, for students whose programs lead directly to employment, the opportunity to avoid college debt altogether. Importantly, students enrolled in BOCES career programs remain students of their home school districts, enabling them to continue participating in interscholastic athletics and other extracurricular activities. Additionally, many CTE students engage in enriching experiences through SkillsUSA and other industry-specific organizations and clubs, further enhancing their skills and professional networks.
In recent years, New York State has modernized its graduation requirements to recognize the successful completion of a CTE program as fulfilling requirements for a Regents Diploma. The state has also introduced the Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) commencement credential. Students who meet the CDOS requirements graduate high school with this credential, signifying their career readiness and work-based learning experiences, making them well-prepared for immediate employment. Regardless of a student’s individual interests and career or educational aspirations, participation in a BOCES career program provides them with exposure to valuable skills and experiences that will benefit them throughout their lives.
CTE: A Key Component of the Solution
BOCES leaders firmly believe that expanding real-world learning opportunities for students and strengthening the connections between education and business partners are essential for maintaining a thriving economy and fostering opportunities for young people. We all have a role to play in supporting this vital endeavor.
Educators: Continue to emphasize the diverse opportunities available to students to prepare for future success through BOCES career programs and CTE.
Students and Families: Explore the BOCES career programs offered in your region and consider attending a CTE open house to learn more firsthand.
Public Policymakers: We commend the growing recognition of the importance of CTE and encourage continued support and investment in these critical programs.
Business and Industry Leaders: We deeply appreciate your ongoing support and partnership. We encourage you to continue collaborating with us as you identify evolving needs and opportunities in your respective regions.
Career & Technical Education has made remarkable progress in recent years. By working collaboratively, we can build upon these achievements and ensure that BOCES career programs remain a powerful engine for economic growth and a springboard for student success, today, tomorrow, and far into the future.
