Novelis Invests in Future Oswego County Workforce With CiTi BOCES P-TECH Program
The Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program at CiTi BOCES is giving students a head start on their futures by blending high school, college and career training. Through partnerships with local employers such as Novelis, students graduate prepared for both higher education and high-demand jobs in advanced manufacturing and technology.
P-TECH students can earn a high school diploma and an associate’s degree while gaining valuable workplace experience. The program emphasizes mentorship, applied learning and leadership development, helping students see firsthand what career paths are available in the region.
Instead of a traditional classroom setting, P-TECH focuses on hands-on learning. For Caleb Cunningham, a student interning with Novelis, the difference is clear.
“With P-TECH it's all driven for success. You’re not in classes with people that don’t want to be there — everyone wants to be there. Not only that, but with how the program is based, all of the classes are more hands-on than it is learning online, or just getting the class done and calling it a day.” Cunningham goes on to say, “Every single day is a learning experience.”
Mariah Janes, another P-TECH student, said her experience at Novelis gave her insight into how large companies operate.
“The Novelis experience for me on the PMG-M side has been really exciting. I get to travel throughout the whole plant and learn all of the departments at once. Everyone I have interacted with I’ve had a great experience with. They're all really close as a family community too, which is really surprising with the amount of people that are here. I have had a really great experience here, and I am really grateful that they have kept me on.”
By connecting students with employers like Novelis, P-TECH offers a direct pipeline to careers while strengthening the local workforce. The program helps prepare graduates not only for jobs but also for leadership roles within their communities. Brian Heffron, Administrator of Workforce Development & Community Relations at CiTi BOCES, emphasized that the partnership is about more than just filling positions.
“The partnership between CiTi BOCES and Novelis is more than a collaboration—it reflects a shared commitment to education, innovation, and community investment. With support from partners like Novelis, we are redefining what high school education looks like in Oswego County, ensuring students not only have the tools they need, but also the opportunities to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.”
By equipping students with the skills, confidence and connections they need to thrive in the workforce, the program helps students shape their futures for a better tomorrow.
For more information about CiTi BOCES P-TECH, visit www.CiTiboces.org/ptech
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