BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) — The new Broome-Tioga BOCES trades complex looks to continue BOCES’ mission of preparing its students for careers in high-demand trade jobs.
According to BOCES officials, it is currently expected that the country will need 500,000 construction and trade jobs in 2026, and BOCES is doing its part in filling those needs.
“Our building trades plumbing students can actually plumb a house from start to finish,” said Matt Sheehan, the Director of Broome-Tioga BOCES. “Our electricity students are wiring the entire house, which happens right here on this complex. Our carpentry students have been able to frame three houses, and that’s just the beginning.”
Located on BOCES’ campus, the facility will offer training in heavy equipment operation and other high-need career and technical fields. Something that will help students like senior Jake McConnell stand out to employers.
“It shows a lot better for people who are hiring,” McConell told 12 News. “It’ll show employers that you’ve got an understanding of what you’re doing.”
He told 12 News the hands-on experience that BOCES classes provide is invaluable and provides training that can’t be replicated in a classroom setting.
“Definitely that it’s more hands-on. We can be out here, and we can do it,” said McConnel. “We don’t have to just read about it, and you can get more experience, more practice. I think you learn a lot more.”
The complex is the newest centerpiece of BOCES’ initiative to address regional and national workforce shortages and increasing demand.
“These are in-demand jobs in our area, and throughout the United States, so there are so many opportunities for our students,” said Dan Coleman, a heavy equipment repair & operation teacher for BOCES. “And in this area, this is the only place to come for a lot of these opportunities.”
The facility will provide students with a heated space for upkeep and maintenance of the heavy machinery they are working with.
Coleman said the demand for these BOCES students has led to strong relationships with contractors in the area who typically hire them immediately following graduation.
