CRCS Senior Shifts Learning into High Gear through Work-Based Learning at BOCES

Lydia Waage

SCHOHARIE  – Talk about shifting gears into the fast lane while still in high school!

Cobleskill-Richmondville High School Lydia Waage has a lifelong dream of being a dump truck operator and is pursuing that dream in the Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation (HERO) program at Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education Center (CTE) – Schoharie Campus.

Through work-based learning (WBL) at CTE, she recently completed training at Lancaster Development.

“It was great. Everyone was really nice and helpful, and I got to do a lot,” said Waage.

Work included everything from cleaning trucks, removing debris left behind in dump bodies, and operating equipment.

“They let me drive a brand new Peterbilt dump truck—it was really cool,” she said.

WBL is part of nearly every CTE program offered by Capital Region BOCE. Students are placed in approximately 80 worksites across the region, from metal fabricators and construction operations to hotels and garages. 

“It helped me by getting me out into the workforce and seeing what real-life people do and it helped me get into a work schedule and gain interpersonal experience,” Waage said.

Lancaster Development’s Ed Wallace said Waage is an outstanding worker.

“Lydia did an outstanding job working with us and I truly hope to see her return in the future. Her focus, attitude, and dedication set her apart. Students like her are exactly what the industry needs,” Wallace said. 

Waage is one of several dozen juniors and seniors enrolled in the HERO program this year. Students learn how to operate and maintain large construction-related equipment, such as backhoes, dozers, front end loaders and excavators. Students also learn how to diagnose and repair common issues with diesel engines and heavy machines. The program was expanded from the Schoharie Campus to the Albany area at the start of the school year and is also offered now at the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Extension Center.

Students completing the program are prepared for careers in construction, as well as operating and repairing heavy equipment.

Waage said she plans to earn her CDL soon and enter the workforce upon graduation.

“I have always wanted to operate a dump truck. … Before I came to BOCES, I only knew how to drive a tractor, and I have already learned so much.”

For more information on the program, visit the website at: https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/courses-programs/heavy-equipment-operation-maintenance-repair/.