Career & Technical Education
Below are the course descriptions for the programs offered at the Career and Technical Center. Please feel free to visit www.hfmboces.org for further information.
Auto Body Repair
Students learn to repair and refinish damaged vehicles with I-car Advance Tech Training, Chief E-Z Liner Frame Equipment and HVLP refinish equipment. They also learn high-tech welding methods, flexible and rigid plastic repair, as well as how to calculate repair costs and establish estimates. Students use hand tools, straightening equipment, fillers and welding equipment to repair automotive bodies. They also learn how to make damage appraisals, repair plastic, use adhesives and spray equipment, along with the new equipment of resistance welding and pulling devices, paint mixing and portable lifting equipment.
Auto Technology
The program offers high-tech diagnostic equipment, modern demonstration vehicles, work-study programs, preparation for New York State inspection licensing and ASE/NATEF certification, internships, auto manufacturer training, articulation with several colleges, adult retraining, regional automotive competition opportunities, live demonstrations from associated industries, and support from an active Automotive Advisory Committee. Responsible attendance is required for students to achieve success.
As in real-work situations, students contribute towards maintaining a clean, safe, working environment at all times in the classroom and lab. Classroom activities adhere to the ASE and National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) task list. NATEF is a Nationwide organization recognized as the standard of excellence in the industry. The course includes the theory and practice of the modern automobile: engines, carburetion, fuel injection, electrical systems and components, brakes, clutches, transmissions, steering, suspension (front and rear), rear axle assemblies, air conditioning, routine service procedures and diagnosis, and computer control systems.
Careers in Education
This two-year program is intended to provide high school juniors with a beneficial transition from high school to college-level programs, leading to licensing/certification in the field of education. These occupations/certification areas include: teacher assistant; teacher; guidance counselor; occupational, speech, or physical therapist; school psychologist or social worker; and school administrator.
Computer Information Technology and Networking
The Computer Information Technology & Networking program includes two courses: IT Essentials taught in the junior year, and CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) taught in the senior year. Both courses have the senior option, meaning either course can be taken separately by students in their senior year.
Construction Technology
This is a two-year program for students considering careers in construction. The curriculum meets the New York State Department of Labor and National Construction Curriculum Education and Research apprenticeship training requirements. Successful students may receive one year of apprenticeship training credit for prevailing wage jobs. Articulation agreements are in place with FMCC and SUNY Delhi. Successful students may also receive a NYS Technical Endorsement on their diplomas.
Cosmetology
The cosmetology field offers good employment and earning potential for those who are willing to work hard and who enjoy working with people. Our basic objective is to offer men and women interested in a cosmetology career an educational opportunity with a curriculum directed towards the highest standards of excellence. This education is all-inclusive and provides the student with the philosophies, motivation, and skills to become exceptional in the cosmetology field.
Criminal Justice
Students prepare for entry into college criminal justice or security management programs as well as career opportunities in law enforcement, public/private security and the correction fields. To enroll, students must have excellent school attendance and good grades. Students also must have visited the HFM Career & Technical Center Criminal Justice program, must never have been arrested, and must be recommended by a high school guidance counselor or principal.
Culinary Arts
The morning session covers principles of quantity food service and preparation of entrées, salads, soups and sauces, sandwiches and desserts. Instruction is also offered in sanitation, storeroom management and breakfast cookery. Participants gain hands-on experience through the daily production of breakfast and lunch for students, faculty and staff at the BOCES Center.
The afternoon session allows students to operate a café restaurant where they learn customer service, grade management, cake decorating, cake and pastry baking, meat and poultry preparation and career skills.
Digital Multimedia and Communications
This program represents a challenging and fast-paced industry, with a wide variety of new employment positions available each year. Students learn the principles of graphic production including: layout/design, typography, digital and film photography, electronic image editing, electronic/desktop publishing/advertising, basic news gathering, multimedia design/production, basic 3D rendering, process camera techniques, basic photo offset processes, video camera/production/editing, basic sound mixing/editing. Macintosh and Windows platforms are used.
Environmental Conservation
Environmental conservation includes forestry and natural resources, operating/maintaining heavy equipment, and developing an understanding of environmental issues. Students use hands-on approaches to explore and understand the complexities of science and math in a real work experience.
Equine Science
This program involves students in all aspects of the horse world. Job opportunities are readily available for eager Equine Science graduates. Students learn about the everyday care of horses, nutrition, animal systems, equipment, animal diseases and parasites, anatomy and physiology, first-aid for horses, breeding, driving, and riding.
Foundations of Food Service
Students in this foundations program will learn basic, entry level skills ideal for the fast food industry, institutional and supermarket settings. Students will receive classroom instruction and hands-on-training to prepare them for entry level employment.
The curriculum will include safety practices for all equipment used in the kitchen environment. Good work habits, personal hygiene, professional sanitation techniques, basic knife skills and common food service practices will be taught.
Medical Assisting
This two-year program offers the student academic and clinical experience in the critical areas of administrative and clinical medical assisting. The course is designed to present skills from most basic to more complex, and prepares students for entry level employment as a Medical Assistant.
New Visions: Health Careers
The New Visions: Health Careers program is an immersion based approach to education. This concept allows the students of the HFM BOCES Career and Technical Center to explore a variety of health care careers, while integrating their academics of twelfth grade social studies and three college level English credits. The classroom is on-site at Nathan Littauer Hospital. This facility allows the students to participate in rotations in numerous hospital departments and work side by side with a variety of health care professionals.
Nurse Assisting
Through both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, students prepare for employment in the health-care industry. Successful students are mature, dependable, and healthy and have good grooming and hygiene habits. Those who participate in the program will receive clinical experience in patient care at local health-care facilities.
Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
Students receive training in the general automotive service field and related specialty areas. Basic skills are emphasized leading to entry-level employment. Students enrolled in this program learn basic automotive theory, as well as safety and shop procedures in a guided, hands-on environment. Repetition of basic skills is emphasized, including the proper use of hand and power tools.