Capital Region BOCES to add two new courses for the 2025-2026 school year

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Capital Region BOCES will add two new courses to the 2025-2026 school year. Students will soon be able to enroll in a Plumbing Technology and a New Visions: Emerging Technologies program.

Both programs will be a one-year course in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Extension Center, which is being constructed near the Career and Technical Education Center- Albany Campus on Watervliet-Shaker Road. The New Visions course, however, is considered an honors-level course and will only be offered for seniors.

"We are thrilled to once again be able to take the input of our business and education partners and create programming that will not only benefit students, but strengthen the local, state and national workforce," said CTE Director Jeff Palmer.

The Plumbing Technology course will a hands-on program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the plumbing industry. According to BOCES, they have been working with representatives from the Plumbers and Steamfitters union to incorporate a plumbing unit in construction courses, but an entire program will fill a need for skilled plumbers.

"Every contractor that I talk to has a need for younger workers. The demand is from the residential to the industrial level," Tom Carrigan, President and Marketing Director for UA Local 7, Plumbers and Steamfitters, said.

Additionally, the New Visions: Emerging Technologies program will offer students a detailed introduction to hydrogen fuel cell technology and semiconductor manufacturing, two rapidly growing industries. According to BOCES, students will get hands-on experience in manufacturing, mechanical and electrical systems and hydrogen safety.

"Students who complete the program will be equipped with skills and knowledge necessary to work as entry-level technicians. Or they can use the program as a great educational foundation and continue their studies to pursue higher positions within those industries," Palmer said.

With the new additions, Capital Region BOCES will be offering 30 different courses in nine different groups for students. To see a full list of classes being offered or their locations, visit the Capital Region BOCES website.