Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to attend the Career & Technical Center located at HFM BOCES in Johnstown. Students typically spend half a day (morning or afternoon) at the Career & Technical Center and the rest at FFCS.
Criteria for Participation in BOCES CTE Programs
Students must have visited the program they wish to attend and have signed a commitment contract before their registration will be sent to HFM BOCES. It is also highly recommended that parents attend an open house event at HFM BOCES with their child before they make a commitment to attend the program of their choice.
Students must meet entrance requirements as follows:
- Must have passed all required courses to graduate in previous school years;
- Must have earned enough credits toward graduation to be a junior or senior;
- Must have passed all required Regents exams; and
- Must maintain good attendance and behavior.
Programs
939/940 Auto Body Repair
Credit: 3.5 each year
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.
941/942 Auto Technology
Credit: 3.5 each year
The NATEF/ASE certified automotive technology program prepares students for a career in the automotive field through the use of state of the art tools and equipment. The Automotive Technology program involves instruction of theory and operation of various automotive systems. The program includes hands-on shop activities to practice diagnosing, fixing and maintaining a wide variety of vehicles. Throughout the year, students will also interact and participate in several live demonstrations by industry professionals. Similar to a contemporary work environment, students contribute to the maintenance of a clean, safe and efficient automotive laboratory. Students also learn about various career opportunities by assuming positions such as Service Manager, Parts Clerk, and Technician.
937/938 New Visions Education
Credit: 3.5 each year
Pre-Req. You must complete an application and be accepted into this program. The Careers in Education program provides high school seniors with a beneficial transition from high school to college level programs, leading to licensing/certification in the field of education. This academically challenging program offers students the opportunity to complete twelve (12) college credits over the course of two years of study, including: Foundations of Education, Introduction to Psychology, Child Development and Adolescent Psychology. In the first year of the program, students will have an opportunity to observe professional educators in the following occupations: teacher; teacher assistant; guidance counselor; occupational, speech or physical therapist; school psychologist or social worker; and school administrator. The second year of the program will provide students shadowing and internship experiences with a professional educator in their selected career path. Students interested in Careers in Education need to complete a program specific application, which should be completed by the student and returned to their guidance counselor by mid-March each year. Please note that this class is for seniors only.
943/944 Carpentry
Credit: 3.5 each year
Carpentry is a two-year New York State certified program that prepares students for career opportunities in carpentry trades. First-year students are introduced to core classes covering blueprint reading, safety, basic hand and power tools, and basic estimating. Students then rotate through hands-on laboratory modules of carpentry skills and techniques. Second-year students gain deeper knowledge and increased skills in advanced framing, stair layout, interior finishes (such as sheet rocking, wood trim for walls, doors and windows, installation of kitchen cabinets). Units of study focus on sophisticated use of tools, materials and methods of construction. Green technology, including the use of renewable resources and energy-efficient building is utilized. Students also have the opportunity to participate in real-life job applications through a week-long construction internship with local contractors. Work-study programs are also an option.
945/946 IT Essentials and Cybersecurity
Credit: 3.5 each year
The Computer Information Technology & Networking program includes two courses: Information Technology (IT) Essentials and CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA). The IT Essentials course is divided into two sections. The first covers core competencies in the latest hardware and software technologies, with emphasis on information security skills, safety and environmental issues, and 21st Century Skills. It is aligned with the CompTIA A+ essentials exam. The second part is hands-on and lab-based. This section covers all the CompTIA A+ Practical Application objectives for the certification exam. The areas covered include: IT Technician, Remote Support Technician, and Bench Technician. Students completing the full course will be prepared to take all exams associated with the new updated CompTIA A+ certification.
949/950 Cosmetology
Credit: 3.5 each year
The Cosmetology program provides students with the professional skills necessary to pass the practical and written components of the New York State Licensing Board Examinations. Only licensed cosmetologists may work in salons in New York State. To qualify for the licensing exam, students must complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of approved instruction. A salon clinic open to members of the local community provides students with the opportunity to practice their technical skills and gain real life experience in their field. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to receive their temporary Cosmetology license and apply to New York State to take the written and practical licensing examinations.
960/961 Criminal Justice
Credit: 3.5 each year
Events in our nation have changed the focus on security and safety. Criminal justice and law enforcement professionals are employed by private firms and public agencies, small businesses and large corporations, individuals and communities, local, state and federal government. In this two-year program, students prepare for entry into college programs as well as career opportunities in law enforcement, public/private security and the correction field.
In addition, the program teaches students about the history, theory and practices of the Criminal Justice and Corrections fields. Prospective students should be good citizens in their communities and schools. In the first year of the Criminal Justice program, students gain a general understanding of the theory and practice of criminal and civil law. Second year students are introduced to the field and profession of corrections to provide a foundation for the understanding of corrections in the 21st Century. Curriculum includes: guest lectures, field trips, and hands on projects such as fingerprinting, forensics, crime scene investigation, mock trial, photography, plaster casts and use of radar equipment.
954/955 Culinary Arts
Credit: 3.5 each year
Culinary Arts is a two-year program that prepares students for careers in the hospitality industry and provides a solid foundation for students interested in continuing related college studies. Students in this course will have the opportunity to study various units such as: baking and pastry, commercial food preparation, front-end service, fine dining, restaurant operations, and catering. The Culinary program is aligned with the National Restaurant Association’s Pro Start curriculum. In addition, students gain hands on experience in a state of the art kitchen and engage in work-based learning and leadership by catering special events, luncheons, dinners and completing an internship experience at a local restaurant, bakery, hotel or food service facility at the end of their senior year.
956/957 Digital Multimedia & Communications
Credit: 3.5 each year
The Digital Multimedia program is a collaborative initiative designed to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes students need to create and respond to evolving digital media techniques. Students use state-of-the-art Apple computers and digital equipment to create multimedia projects. In this course, students will use the Adobe Master Suite Collection in photography and videography to create and manipulate digital media designs. Students in this program will also utilize audio mixing and recording equipment in the digitally equipped sound studio. In addition, students learn professional and communication skills necessary to establish, maintain and develop client relationships. The program offers interdisciplinary study that provides frameworks within which motivated students combine their knowledge of the arts with critical training using cutting edge and emerging creative technologies.
947/948 Environmental Conservation
Credit: 3.5 each year
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 real work experience. Recent growth in green business ventures and environmentally sustainable practices suggest that future economic operations will be heavily influenced by environmental concerns. A variety of renewable energy resources are explored in this program. Students spend the majority of their time outside and students must be willing to participate in all types of weather. Extensive hands-on practical laboratory and field exercises, such as heavy equipment operation, wildlife management, wood processing, and forestry management are critical parts of the program. Students learn to operate backhoes, bulldozers, trucks, tractors, chainsaws, a band saw mill and a wide variety of other equipment. Entry level mechanical skills used in parks and recreation are introduced along with basic small gasoline engine repair and maintenance.
916/917 Foundations of Food Services
Credit: 3.5 each year
Students in the Foundations of Foods program will learn basic entry-level skills ideal for employment in the culinary industry. Students will receive both traditional classroom instruction and hands-on training. The program includes the following modified elements of ProStart (National Restaurant Association developed curriculum): training in safety practices for all equipment used in the kitchen environment; good work habits; professional sanitation techniques; basic knife skills; and standard culinary practices. Also, modified components of “ServSafe” are introduced in the program including: basic food safety; personal hygiene; cross contamination and allergens; time and temperature; cleaning; and sanitation. Second year students will learn more advanced baking and food preparation techniques. The students will explore career opportunities and work habits essential for success on the job. Seniors complete an internship in the culinary field.
952/953 Medical Assisting
Credit: 3.5 each year
Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to assist in the effective office operations of doctors, hospitals, clinics and other health care providers. This program will enable students to develop a specialized body of knowledge and skills which prepare them to work in the emerging health care field. The duties of medical assistants vary based on the location, orientation, size and specialty of the provider. Examples of administrative tasks include: updating and filing patient records; filling out insurance forms; completing hospital admissions forms; assigning referrals and laboratory services. Clinical procedures include: taking medical histories and recording vital signs; explaining medical procedures; reviewing medications and diets; phlebotomy (drawing blood); changing dressings; removing sutures; administering electrocardiograms; preparing patients for physical examinations. Classroom, lecture and practical experience in clinical settings prepare students for careers requiring multi-tasking, communication, critical thinking and interaction with the public.
909 New Visions Health Careers (12th Only)
Credit: 2
Pre-Req. You must complete an application and be accepted into this program. This academically rigorous one-year program, located at Nathan Littauer Hospital, is designed for high school seniors interested in medical and health related professions. Students enrolled in the New Visions Health Careers program learn through traditional methods (lecture/discussion, reading and research, writing and specific topic study) as well as participation in clinical rotations—structured observations of medical professionals and procedures. These experiences provide students an opportunity to directly learn about the various health professions, appropriate patient care, and the latest in medical treatments and testing. English 12 and Social Studies 12 (Participation in Government and Economics) are integrated into the health careers curriculum offering a broad and rewarding learning opportunity.
912/913 Vehicle Repair & Maintenance
Credit: 3.5 each year
Students in the Vehicle Repair and Maintenance program will learn basic, entry-level skills ideal for employment in the automotive field. Training focuses on the general automotive service field and related specialty areas. Students learn basic automotive theory, safety and shop procedures in a guided, hands-on environment. Repetition of basic skills is emphasized, including the proper and safe use of tools and equipment. The curriculum includes minor repairs to engine, exhaust, brakes, electrical, suspension, steering and cooling systems as well as vehicle detailing. Students also perform New York State Emissions Inspections. Internship and work-study opportunities exist for successful students.