Young Teens Test Drive Potential Careers

Everyone loves try-before-you-buy, free samples, trial runs and anything that offers a no-commitment, first-time experience for something new. The ESBOCES Summer Career Exploration Program is just that. It gives young teenagers the opportunity to spend three weeks immersed in a career-based program of their choice that is packed with authentic, hands-on, introductory lessons.

Classes are taught by industry professionals and include options such as Culinary Arts, Automotive Technology, Welding, Cosmetology, Carpentry, multiple construction trades, Digital Audio Production, Esthetics, and more.

Attendees jump into action on day one, learning proper technique, the use of tools, what skills each industry values, and more, all while having a good time. Culinary Art students cooked, baked, and competed in cupcake wars; Cosmetology students learned basic hair and nail services, which they showed off to friends and family during Spa Day; Construction participants practiced wiring electrical outlets and braising pipes with blow torches; Audio Production enrollees used software to create and edit original pieces; the list goes on.

This model provides youths with an insider’s perspective for their interests so they can seriously begin to consider possible career paths. That exploration could entice them to enroll in a CTE program in 11^th and 12^th grade, further preparing them for the workforce or similar courses of study in college and technical school.

“Middle school and early high school are ideal times to investigate something that could spark interest in a robust career path,” said Karen Smart, administrative coordinator for the program. “Getting students to consider and try out career interests long before senior year is important.”

This year the program ran from July 7 to 24 at the four ESBOCES technical career centers located in Bellport, Oakdale, and Riverhead. Sessions ran Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

To learn more about the Summer Career Exploration Program, visit https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1740488552/esbocesorg/bjb589bs3zj0q6wwscwj/SCEPFlyer2025FINAL.pdf