Seventh graders learn about blood pressure in the HFM Medical Assisting program.
Gloversville Middle School seventh graders recently got some hands-on experience to help them think about possible future career paths.
Seventh graders in Family Arts and Consumer Science classes at GMS visited the HFM Career and Technical Center Jan. 14-17 and worked hands-on with CTE instructors and high school students in a variety of career areas.
The project began with HFM Career & Technical Director Jay A. DeTraglia and Coordinator Mike DiMezza visiting the seventh graders to talk about career paths and life after high school. Based on program descriptions and personal interest, the students then selected one of HFM’s 16 CTE programs to visit for half a day participating in class discussions, completing projects and speaking with instructors and CTE students.
The HFM Career and Technical Center offers local high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to pursue career and college training as part of their high school experience. More than 500 area high school students attend the Career and Technical Center each year. Most are enrolled in two-year programs that provide the knowledge, skills and credentials needed to succeed in college and the workplace in a variety of career fields.
Sean Mahon, HFM’s Cybersecurity & Computer Technology instructor, shows a seventh grader how to terminate a CAT6 ethernet cable.
GMS Family Arts and Consumer Science teachers Julie Frey-Brunetto and Amy Januska said the seventh grade visit to the Career and Technical Center is new this year. While a job shadowing experience in the community has been a part of the curriculum in the past, the CTE visit allowed students to not only learn more about a career field but to also learn about the opportunities available to them at the HFM Career and Technical Center.
“It’s extremely important for students to think about career choices early on,” Frey-Brunetto said. “Students who can ‘begin with the end in mind’ for a career path have a much stronger chance to graduate on time with their peers.”
“There’s a tremendous need for skilled workers in many career fields right now,” HFM Career and Technical Director Jay A. DeTraglia said. “Our programs help students develop marketable skills when they go on to college and enter the workforce.”
The HFM Career & Technical Center offers a total of 16 programs including Auto Body Repair, Auto Technology, Careers in Education, Cybersecurity & Computer Technology, Construction Technology, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Digital Multimedia, Engineering Technology, Environmental Conservation, Foundations of Food Services, Medical Assisting, New Visions Health Careers, Skilled Trades (electrical, HVAC and plumbing) and Veterinary and Animal Science.
A seventh grader looks at a hookworm specimen through a microscope in the Veterinary and Animal Science program.
