Career & Technical Explorations
Career & Technical Explorations
Welcome to the Career & Technical Explorations program at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, where students embark on a journey of discovery, exploration, and skill development across a wide range of career pathways. Our program offers a unique opportunity for students to explore various fields of study, gain hands-on experience, and discover their passions while preparing for future success.
The Career & Technical Explorations program is designed to expose students to diverse career options and technical skills in a supportive and engaging environment. Led by experienced instructors who are experts in their respective fields, our program offers introductory courses and practical experiences in areas such as automotive technology, culinary arts, healthcare, information technology, construction, and more.
At Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, we believe in the power of experiential learning. That’s why our Career & Technical Explorations program provides students with opportunities to engage in hands-on projects, internships, and industry partnerships that allow them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Whether it’s building a car engine, cooking gourmet meals, caring for patients, or designing websites, our students gain valuable experience that directly relates to their future career paths.
In addition to technical skills, our program places a strong emphasis on essential workplace skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and professionalism. Students also can earn industry-recognized certifications and credentials, enhancing their resumes and significantly boosting their chances of success in the workforce.
Upon completing the program, students are equipped with a broad understanding of various career fields, technical skills, and workplace competencies to serve as a solid foundation for their future endeavors. Whether they choose to pursue further education, enter the workforce directly, or explore additional training opportunities, the Career & Technical Explorations program at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES empowers students to chart their path to success. Join us and discover your potential today.
What To Expect
Career and Technical Explorations is a half-day program for students to participate in a general education exploratory experience. Students receive instruction on safety awareness and requirements, appropriate social skills and work habits, related vocabulary and measurement skills, and hands-on instruction with hand and power tools. This skill development prepares students for success in a two-year CTE program. Students explore a variety of careers, including graphic arts, animal care, culinary, woodworking, and essential computer operation within the classroom. Based on teacher recommendations, select students may have the opportunity to explore various CTE programs within the campus. Over two years, students can earn up to 1 unit each of Math and ELA credit. Students who complete a two-year sequence in this program and do not continue into a CTE program can earn the Career Development & Occupational Studies (CDOS) credential.
The Ormsby Educational Center hosts Multi-Occupational Foundations for alternatively assessed students pursuing a Skills and Achievement Credential. Class is provided in a small group setting with appropriate instructional support. This program allows students to explore different career pathways through various real-life experiences. These initiatives are guided through hands-on activities in a shop and community setting mirroring entry-level job placements. Students are matched with their skill sets and interests and placed in supervised community-based work experience sites. Students explore a variety of careers, for example, graphic arts, animal care, culinary, woodworking, and basic computer operation, within the classroom. The goal of this program is for students to develop strategies to complete multiple-step problem-solving activities through small-group instruction. This service supports the coordinated set of activities for transition planning as a required element of a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
