While NENY was creating its program framework, with workforce development as one of its key pillars, Broome Tioga BOCES (BT BOCES) became a natural partner for training youth and adult learners for an emerging industry in New York. BT BOCES is one of 37 entities of its kind in New York state, aiming to help public school districts control costs and share services to create in-demand, high-quality programs for K-12 and adult learners.
“We didn’t have a lot of time, but we are incredibly responsive to industry demand for workforce when creating or pivoting our programs,” said Matt Sheehan, director of the Career and Technology Education (CTE) program at BT BOCES. “We knew that key employers in the region were already looking at energy grid optimization, electric transportation and more when the Build Back Better Regional Challenge Award was announced. Standing up a program that would provide transferable and scalable skills into this broad electrification and energy industry was incredibly intuitive and almost a no-brainer to get going.”
Once NENY won the Build Back Better Regional Challenge and began collaborating with BT BOCES, Sheehan had a clear, concise plan to get this Emerging Battery Technology program implemented. He kick-started the program with Chenango Forks High School in mind for the pilot site. Sheehan knew it had a hands-on classroom that would be ideal for teaching the program content, but required outfitting and proper equipment to safely instruct high school students on basic electric foundations, testing and applications. As a subawardee of NENY, BT BOCES received funding that made this lab possible.
BT BOCES has a solid background in standing up programs that connect the classroom to careers. There are 172 companies as a part of the co-op program run by BT BOCES, which speaks to industry buy-in as a means of training for current workforce needs. Sheehan also attributes the CTE and co-op programs’ successes to the foresight of the trade advisory board and the responsiveness of BT BOCES as an organization.
“The planning of programs really comes down to the reality of job placement, whether it’s for K-12 or adult learners,” he said. “As adults, they’re coming to BOCES to change their lives, so we have to create opportunities for what can be done in a matter of six weeks and what is recognized by industry.”
The NENY-funded program started with a handful of students, one of whom graduated with extra credits and landed a job at MATCO. The next graduating cohort will be 10 students, all interested in pursuing careers in a variety of trade professions. Another 25 students are among the rising seniors? in the Battery Storage CTE program. With the program growing in demand, more instructors are needed.
“Anyone who has had hands-on experience working in renewable energy sources like solar, grid storage, batteries and applied electronics should really consider becoming an instructor with us,” said Sheehan regarding needs coming down the road. “The opportunity to not only teach the next generation these vital skills, but also have this as a state job only 10 months out of the year is a pretty sweet gig. I hope to connect with more field experts who are excited to share their knowledge with our dedicated students.”
Looking ahead, Sheehan’s getting ready to unveil a facility expansion at the Broome-Tioga Trade Complex on the Glenwood campus. This complex provides space for a multitude of career training, including:
- Heavy equipment operations and repair.
- Carpentry instruction that builds homes for Habitat for Humanity.
- Pole climbing, a required credential for lineworkers among other professions. Poles for the facility were donated by NYSEG.
The ribbon cutting for this facility is set for Oct. 9, 2025.
Looking further into the future, support from the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York will accelerate an additional expansion on the BT BOCES Emerging Battery Technology program by installing a solar array and battery storage system at the Building Trades Training Complex. The system will be designed, installed and maintained by students, giving them real-world experience with solar power, energy storage and grid applications. This investment enhances hands-on training across multiple programs and equips students with the skills needed for careers in the rapidly growing energy storage sector.
Learn more about BT BOCES on their website, or email Matt Sheehan for more information about becoming an instructor for Energy Battery Technologies and more through BT BOCES.