CTE Offerings
Our two-year trades training programs provide high school juniors and seniors with hands-on learning and real-world experiences. Seniors attend our schools in the mornings, and juniors attend in the afternoons, spending the rest of their school day in their home districts.
In our CTE programs, students learn real-world skills to finish high school ready for the job they want, or with a head start on college. Our two-year CTE programs help kids earn college credit and job certifications along with their diplomas.
Academic skills are strengthened through integration of math, language arts, science, and social studies into both theory and practical application. And while we teach students the physical and theoretical skills behind a trade, we also work with them on soft skills like teamwork and communication.
CTE programs offer the potential for articulation credits, and New Vision programs include dual college credits.
Below is a list of the educational programs offered. To learn more about each program, click or tap on the title to display information about the program and the location it is available.
Automotive Technology
Locations
- AEC in Saranac Lake
- NFEC in Malone
Program Length
- Two years of half-day study for high school juniors and seniors
Students learn entry-level auto repair skills along with academics to prepare for continuing education at a technical college. They will gain hands-on experience working on the mechanical, electronic, and computerized systems of our fleet of shop vehicles.
Classroom instruction teaches the scientific principles behind the systems used in the automobile and light truck, and the in-demand skills of diagnosis, repair, and preventative maintenance.
Building Trades
Locations
- AEC in Saranac Lake
- NFEC in Malone
Program Length
- Two years of half-day study for high school juniors and seniors
Students learn the basic theories of carpentry using the tools and equipment of the trade, as well as how to apply their skills and knowledge to a variety of lab projects for hands-on experience in the classroom and at off-campus construction sites.
Instructors strive to provide students with a classroom experience that is as close as possible to one they’d find at a job site, and students get the chance to build a home from the ground up — either a tiny house or a modular house. View our For Sale page to see more information about the tiny and modular houses!
Cosmetology
Locations
- AEC in Saranac Lake
- NFEC in Malone
Program Length
- Two years of half-day study for high school juniors and seniors
Students gain practical experience in the skills and theory necessary to be a licensed cosmetologist. Students get hands-on experience with the latest techniques in hair design, nail care, skin care, and related services offered in a spa or salon.
In classrooms that mimic a real salon environment, students serve clients from the community, and they develop computer, management, and employability skills that will give them an edge when entering the workforce.
Helpful Links
Culinary Arts
Locations
- AEC in Saranac Lake
- NFEC in Malone
Program Length
- Two years of half-day study for high school juniors and seniors
Students gain the skills and knowledge that can lead to a wide range of employment in restaurants, hotels, and other food services. The program gives students a strong background in food production, baking and pastry arts, table service, and dining room management.
Teachers also give students the authentic experience of preparing lunch menus for the school’s staff and students, and students help plan, prepare, and serve many catered events in the school buildings. The program emphasizes quality production and pride in workmanship in an educational atmosphere that meets individual needs.
Each school year, Culinary Arts students participate in teacher-directed work experiences followed by an external work placement in a BOCES-approved site of the student’s choice.
Early Childhood Education
Locations
- NFEC in Malone
Program Length
- Two years of half-day study for high school juniors and seniors
Students learn about the development and education of children from birth to school age. Hands-on placement experiences offer the opportunity to demonstrate theoretical knowledge by educating and caring for young children.
First Aid and CPR training are key components in the child safety unit.
Students who complete the course may be eligible to receive a Child Development Association Certificate and a Child Abuse Maltreatment/Neglect Certificate, as well as 15 credit hours from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Electrical Trades
Locations
- NFEC in Malone
Program Length
- Two years of half-day study for high school juniors and seniors
This program builds a strong foundation of the theory and skills needed for a variety of careers related to residential and commercial electricity.
Students will learn the theory and principles of electricity, as well as basic knowledge of tools, methods, and materials used in the construction industry.
On-site learning experience includes hands-on installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical wiring systems.
Health Occupations
Locations
- NFEC in Malone
Program Length
- Two years of half-day study for high school juniors and seniors
Students learn theory and entry-level skills related to the nurse assistant role, and they are acquainted with the general concepts of other health occupations.
Classroom instruction includes working with mannequins in hospital beds as our teachers strive to provide an environment close to what students will experience in their careers. Students also get real-world experience through supervised clinical hours at local health care facilities.
Heavy Equipment
Locations
- NFEC in Malone
Program Length
- Two years of half-day study for high school juniors and seniors
Students are taught to operate and repair heavy equipment, including bulldozers, backhoes, front-end loaders, excavators, motor graders, dump trucks, and trailers.
Through classroom instruction and hands-on experience, students learn basic principles, theory, and skills to keep heavy equipment operating safely and optimally.
We teach about diesel and gas fuel systems, hydraulic systems, powertrain, and vehicle electricity.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
Locations
- Satellite classroom for North End students at Salmon River Central School
Program Length
- Two years of half-day study for high school juniors and seniors
Students learn entry-level skills to help them start a career in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
The program integrates shop operations, job planning and estimating, troubleshooting and installation, maintenance skills, customer service, professionalism, and appropriate work ethics.
Law Enforcement & Security
Locations
- AEC in Saranac Lake
- NFEC in Malone
Program Length
- Two years of half-day study for high school juniors and seniors
New in the 2024-25 school year! Interested students should reach out to the guidance team in their school district.
The Program
The Security and Law Enforcement Academy program curriculum includes instruction in all areas of the security and law enforcement professions. Including, but not limited to, police, corrections, and homeland security.
Work experience and exposure to state/local police, Border Patrol, NYS Corrections, Customs, and Sheriff’s professions will be part of the program.
Credits
Students will earn .5 CTE credits in English, Science, and Physical Education each year in the program. Students will also earn CTE Participation and Government credit (.5) in their junior year.
Certifications
Certifications will include NYS Security Guard Pre-Assessment, First Aid/CPR, and NWRC/21st Century Skills.
Marine Technology
Locations
- Satellite classroom for South End students, Saranac Lake Central School
Program Length
- One-year senior student program
Students learn to operate and repair marine vehicles in the satellite classroom and off-site at local marinas. Program students will earn their New York State Boater Safety Certification in addition to earning college credits through North Country Community College and certifications from both Mercury and Honda.
Natural Resource Science
Locations
- AEC in Saranac Lake
Program Length
- Two years of half-day study for high school juniors and seniors
Students learn industry and academically modern techniques in Natural Resource Science and apply them to real-world situations in a safe, project-based, educational environment.
Welding Technology
Locations
- Satellite classroom for North End students at Salmon River Central School
Program Length
- Two years of half-day study for high school juniors and seniors
Students learn metalworking and welding technology through broad exposure to the operation, standards, and current practices in the field of welding and fabrication.
With a strong emphasis on safety, students learn through classroom instruction, demonstrations, field trips, guest speakers, and hands-on practice of welding techniques.












