Introductory Summer Career Programs a Hit
![Introductory Summer Career Programs a Hit]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1693570611/esbocesorg/ifxzf9pmx1ncmsdt9vnb/SummerCareeraHitCover.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1693570611/esbocesorg/ifxzf9pmx1ncmsdt9vnb/SummerCareeraHitCover.jpg","width":500}])
Introductory Summer Career Programs a Hit
Courses expose young people to career paths
Cosmetology. Carpentry. Coding. Culinary Arts. These were some of the course offerings during the ESBOCES Summer Career Exploration Program. Students ages 13 to 15, entering grades 8, 9 and 10, were able to test drive a career of their choice for three weeks this summer.
Also available were Automotive Technology, Welding, and Dog Care and Training, in addition to the four courses previously mentioned. The program ran from Monday through Thursday, July 10 to 27, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Bellport, Oakdale, and Riverhead campuses.
On the first day of each program, Career and Technical Education teachers immersed students in hands-on projects, teaching them how to use industry-specific equipment and explaining what each job market values in terms of training and experience.
Welding students fabricated rocket stoves; Carpentry students used hand and power tools to make furniture and accessories; Automotive students completed alignments, oil changes, and other maintenance; Cosmetology students held a spa day for friends and family; and Culinary Arts students cooked for the program’s summer BBQ bash.
Additionally, ESBOCES concurrently ran the Summer Pre-Employment Transition Services Program for special needs students ages 14 to 21 to explore careers and gain workplace readiness skills. This program took place Monday through Thursday, July 10 to 20, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Bellport and Riverhead campuses.
In its third year, this program is funded by a five-year grant from the NYS Education Department’s ACCES-VR Program. ACCES-VR’s goal is to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving and maintaining employment and to support independent living.
“This program provides job exploration counseling, instruction in self-advocacy, and counseling on post-secondary options, in addition to introductory training in Carpentry, Animal Science, Health Careers, Culinary Arts, and Automotive Technology,” said Erin Selleck, program administrator for incarcerated/alternate education and specially-funded programs.
