Juniors and seniors from New Rochelle High School are learning how to maintain and repair cars through the Southern Westchester BOCES Automotive Technology program at the Valhalla BOCES campus.
The two-year program offers two tracks: one in automotive technology, which focuses on the inside of the vehicle; and one in collision technology, which focuses on repairs to the exterior of automobiles.
During a recent class, students learned how to replace the braking system on a car. The instructor pointed out the components of the system, reminding students of each part, before instructing the students to remove the calipers, rotors and other components.
According to Jaclyn DeLao, Principal of the Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Career Services, students leave the program with ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification in eight major automotive areas, and are also eligible for college credits if they meet certain criteria.
The program often includes internships at local auto dealerships and, according to DeLao, it’s not uncommon for students to get job offers at dealerships and repair shops even before graduating high school.
“We also focus on soft skills, so students are employable when they leave us in their senior year,” she said.
There are currently 24 New Rochelle High School students taking part in the program, and they spend half of their school day at the BOCES campus and the other half at the high school.
Matthew Caltenco, a senior concentrating on collision technology, has competed and finished in second place in a regional competition held by SkillsUSA, a workforce development organization that helps prepare students for careers in a variety of trades. He’s planning on a career in the automotive industry and is already working after school in a local car dealership’s service department.
Caltenco said the program helps students prepare for the industry and learn hands-on work with tools that are the same as the ones he works with at his after-school job.
“They might be different brands, but they all work the same. It’s more about the technique and your work,” Caltenco said. “You’ll definitely find a job outside in the car industry.”
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This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: New Rochelle High School class learns latest automotive technology
Reporting by Seth Harrison, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
