Nearly 600 high school juniors and seniors converged on the HFM Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center last week to begin honing the skills needed for today’s in-demand careers.
These students represent all 11 high schools within the HFM BOCES region, including Amsterdam, Broadalbin-Perth, Canajoharie, Fonda-Fultonville, Fort Plain, Gloversville, Johnstown, Mayfield, Northville, Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville, and Wells.
The HFM CTE Center offers students a dynamic pathway for career exploration and enrichment through hands-on learning in programs such as Construction Trades, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, New Visions Health Careers, Veterinary and Animal Science, and more.
For Bella Calabrese, a student in the Cosmetology program, enrolling at the CTE Center was an easy decision.
“I had participated in a summer camp at the college (SUNY FMCC) when I was younger, and we came to the Career and Tech Center to do cosmetology and I’ve loved it ever since. I’ve always loved doing my hair and makeup and nails,” said the junior from Johnstown High School.
Calabrese hopes to use her skills to earn extra income during college, with the goal of becoming a licensed cosmetologist.
CTE Director Michael DiMezza emphasized the importance of giving students the opportunity to explore different career options before making long-term decisions.
“Today’s students are exploring a wider range of possibilities, and CTE gives them the chance to test out various career paths before committing to college, the workforce, or military service,” said DiMezza. “It’s a gateway to options they might never have considered before joining our program.”
This year also marks the launch of a new offering at the CTE Center – Fire Science and Rescue. Designed to meet the growing demand for trained professionals in both volunteer and career emergency services, the program provides foundational instruction in firefighting and emergency response through a blend of classroom learning and hands-on training.
The course is led by retired City of Amsterdam Battalion Chief Michael Demars, whose experience brings valuable real-world insight to the classroom.
Gavin Massie, a junior from Fort Plain Central School, enrolled in the new program with a clear goal in mind.
“I think this is a great opportunity to take my first steps toward achieving my goal of becoming a career firefighter,” said Massie. “I’m looking forward to the teamwork skills I will gain from working with new people and seeing new things happening around me.”
Bella Calabrese, a junior enrolled in the Cosmetology program, works on her hair styling skills at the HFM Career and Technical Education Center.
