Jayden Abeling
SSCS senior Jayden Abeling is in her second year in the Heavy Equipment program at the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical Education Center – Schoharie Campus, building skills for a solid career.
“I am looking forward to using the equipment a lot more,” said Abeling, referring to the bull dozers, graders and backhoes other pieces of equipment students in the program learn to operate.
As a junior last year, Abeling began the process of learning the knowledge and skills required to enter the construction and equipment operator industries or pursue further education in college or technical school. She learned the basics of construction and heavy equipment operation and also learned masonry from BOCES partners Upstate Masonry Institute (UMI) and the Bricklayer & Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local 2 Union.
“I enjoyed a lot last year, especially the masonry,” she said. “BOCES is something to look forward to every day. I just enjoy learning the new skills and working with my hands.”
After high school Abeling said she wants to go right into the industry, and attempt to get into the operators union. “I definitely like heavy equipment work the best,” she said.
