Home Community Community News Local students get head-start on career choices during BOCES summer programs

Local students get head-start on career choices during BOCES summer programs

While some local teens may have been soaking up the summer sun poolside last month, forty young students spent their vacation getting a jumpstart on their careers through Eastern Suffolk BOCES summer programs.

Classes were offered in cosmetology, audio production and auto technology at the BOCES Ward Tech Center campus in Riverhead this summer. Classes were offered to 8th, 9th and 10th grade students in July.

“One of the most exciting aspects of this program was how our older students served as mentors to the younger ones,” said career and technical education program administrator Rob VanBrunt. “We hired students who were enrolled in our classes during the 11th grade to serve as teacher assistants and mentors.”

Students in the audio production program covered basic production techniques and industry-standard fundamentals related to audio mixing: using consoles, microphones, editing, electronic instrumentation operation and multi-tracking. They also played an active role as audio technicians; engineering, mixing, and mastering their own projects, including a radio broadcast and commercials.

Cosmetology students engaged in hands on instruction and learned shampoo and conditioning, roller sets and up-do’s, blow-drying, curling and flat iron styling, french braids and extensions. They also learned how to give manicures and pedicures, facials, mini-makeovers and how to apply temporary glitter tattoos.

“These are our future cosmetologists,” said teacher Carolyn McKillop. “They are learning introductory skills in the cosmetology service industry. These young ladies are quick learners and I hope to see them here at the academy when they are juniors in high school.”

The automotive technology program focused on technology used in today’s automobiles. Students were introduced to the basics of brake systems, steering and suspension systems as well as engine repair. They also got a rundown on the basics of automotive electrical systems.

“The purpose of the program is to help students look beyond middle and high school and begin to identify a potential career path of their choosing by exploring a field that they find interesting,” VanBrunt said.

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Courtney Blasl
Courtney is a freelance photographer, videographer, web designer and writer. She is a lifelong Riverhead resident.