Three of our Coxsackie-Athens students, Skye Anatriello, Danica Fornicola, and Michael Styga, participated in the 2026 Questar III BOCES Youth Apprenticeship Program, gaining valuable hands-on experience in their chosen fields while preparing for life beyond the classroom.
The Youth Apprenticeship Program connects Career and Technical Education (CTE) students with local businesses, giving them the opportunity to earn at least 200 hours of paid, on-the-job training during the summer between their junior and senior years. Students in programs such as Automotive Technology, Construction Technology, Electrical Trades, Heavy Equipment Operations and Maintenance, HVAC, and Welding can apply the skills they have learned in the classroom to real-world work environments.
For Skye Anatriello, the experience in the program provided an opportunity to put their classroom learning into practice while taking an important step toward future employment. After completing 200 hours through the program, Skye was able to secure a job with Eagle Associates here in Coxsackie.
Skye said “The best parts of the program was getting hands-on experience outside the classroom. Rather than learning in the classroom, I really liked the opportunity to apply my skills in a real world setting and gain experience in an actual work place.”
“Skye completed her internship with us over the summer and now works part-time after school. She is attentive, asks great questions, and is always willing to learn and lend a hand,” said Erik Hoglund, owner of Eagle Associates. “This program is a great opportunity for students to gain real world experience and get their foot in the door. With a shortage of technicians in the industry, it also helps us, and local businesses bring new talent into the workforce while giving students a chance to explore a career and build valuable skills.”
Experiences like these help students build confidence, develop professional skills, and explore potential career paths before graduating from high school. By working alongside local businesses, students also have the opportunity to establish professional connections that can lead to employment during their senior year or after graduation.
At Coxsackie-Athens, opportunities like this reflect our commitment to preparing students for life beyond graduation. By helping students explore careers, develop practical skills, and connect with potential employers, we are working to ensure they are ready to take their next steps with confidence.
Congratulations to our three C-A students who participated in this year's program, and thank you to Questar III BOCES and the local business partners who continue to invest in our students and the future workforce.