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Three dozen Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES Career & Technical Education students from across Chautauqua County were given the opportunity on Oct. 18 to interact directly with representatives of many of the area's largest manufacturers.

Under the direction of Richard D'Agostino, Erie-2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES transition specialist, and Danielle O'Connor, Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES special and alternative education director, students enrolled in various career and technical education programs at the Hewes Educational Center in Ashville and the LoGuidice Educational Center in Fredonia were brought to Jamestown Community College for the first of two Industrial Possibilities and Opportunities Days.

The two-day event, sponsored by the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier and the Manufacturing Technology Institute at JCC, was part of the nationwide "Dream It, Do It" campaign aimed at promoting employment opportunities in the nation's manufacturing sector.

In addition to meeting industry leaders and representatives, Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES students were able to interact with manufacturers and were given research-related assignments that bridged the gap between what they are learning in the classroom and the skills they will need to succeed in today's job market. Employers from across Chautauqua County including Excelco, Matco, Bush Industries, Cummins Engine, TitanX, SKF Aeroengine, Serta Mattress, Phoenix Metal Fabricating, Cliffstar, and Nestle-Purina were represented at the event.

"Students were able to interact with technology and machinery used in a 21st Century manufacturing facility that is producing goods, products and services right here in Chautauqua County," D'Agostino said. "The fact is that manufacturing has an aging workforce and needs skilled, professional and competent workers to keep these vital businesses thriving here in Chautauqua County. Students learned how to plan for a trade certificate paid for by the company and how to advance in these companies and make a lifelong career out of manufacturing."

Under the leadership of D'Agostino and Ms. O'Connor, as well as Robert Guiffreda, Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES superintendent, and Suzette Benson, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES programs are offering students a wide range of activities to better prepare them for the transition between school and a career.