Summer Career Programs Allow Teens to Test New Waters

This July, ESBOCES ran two programs for teens and young adults to provide them with the opportunity to conduct hands-on career exploration. The programs were based in the three ESBOCES technical centers in Bellport, Oakdale, and Riverhead.

The Summer Career Exploration Program allowed students ages 13-15 to spend three weeks immersed in an introductory course of their choosing – Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Welding, Carpentry, Dog Care or Automotive. They met four days a week, for half a day, from July 11 to 28, to study with ESBOCES teachers who are all experienced industry professionals.

For example, Cosmetology students learned the basics of hair and nail care and hosted a spa day to provide services for friends and relatives. Welding students fabricated their own personal-sized outdoor grills, the Carpentry class built cedar deck planters and bird houses, and Automotive students practiced oil changes, fixing and changing tires, using power tools, and more.

The Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Program is designed for special-needs students ages 14-21. Students were exposed to careers in Animal Science, Automotive, Healthcare, and Culinary Arts, in addition to receiving job exploration counseling, instruction in self-advocacy, workplace readiness training, and information on post-secondary options. Students rotated between each career program every few days, learning the basics of cooking and baking, animal care, and the necessary skills to work as a certified medical assistant.

The Pre-ETS Program is in its second year and is funded by a five-year grant from the NYS Education Department’s Access-VR Program, which assists individuals with disabilities in achieving and maintaining employment and independent living. Sessions ran Monday through Thursday, from July 11 to 21, from 8:30 am to 12 pm.

Said Erin Selleck, assistant administrative coordinator for both programs, “Getting young students to think seriously about the career paths they may want to pursue through these engaging, hands-on programs is important. These experiences can provide the direction they need to pursue a high school CTE program, a college major, or even Adult Education courses. Additionally, the career counselling is essential for students with special needs as they learn to advocate for themselves.”