Ivan Bitter, a Cohoes High School junior with a passion for technology has found his professional calling at Capital Region BOCES.
Enrolled in the first year of the Network Technology Program on the Career & Technical Education Center – Albany Campus, Ivan is preparing for a career wiring the region’s computer networks.
“I love the people here. I love the teacher [Ed Henson]. I love how we get to use technology every day,” said Ivan, while taking a break from wiring a circuit board.
The two-year Network Tech program helps area students develop a unique understanding of today’s ever-growing field of network connectivity and emerging technologies. Through lectures, course work and hands-on activities, students have the opportunity to explore this exciting field and gain the technical knowledge and professionalism needed to prepare them for an after high school career or post-secondary study.
“The exposure that the CTE programs allow our students to get is unparalleled,” said Cohoes High School Principal Laura Tarlo. “Ivan is an amazing young man and I am beyond proud of the work he is doing.”
Ivan said he is preparing for a career working for a telecommunications or energy company.
“I plan to go to Hudson Valley Community College for either electrical construction maintenance or electrical engineering and after that go to work for Verizon or National Grid. They are both companies where I can be working with my hands and have a good career,” he said.
In the meantime, BOCES provides a welcoming environment to learn in and prepare for life, he said.
“Mr. Henson teaches us real-life stuff. How to act. How to carry ourselves. How to succeed,” he said. “And everyone in the class is supportive of each other. We work great together.”
For more information on the Network Technology program, visit https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/courses-programs/network-cabling-smart-home-technology/.