Nassau BOCES recognizes industry partners

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The Nassau Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) recently honored more than 100 industry business leaders at its annual industry advisory recognition brunch.

Prepared and served by BOCES culinary students, the brunch was an opportunity to thank BOCES board members, administrators, faculty and staff for their support. At the brunch, guests were greeted by student ambassadors.

Nassau BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools include Barry Tech, GC Tech and Long Island High School for the Arts. The schools partner with more than 800 Long Island businesses to provide students with career-field experience under the supervision of industry specialists who help them to develop pertinent workforce skills.

Industry partners also visit classrooms regularly, providing expertise and inviting students to tour their facilities, where the next generation can learn about their businesses.

“Our collaboration with industry partners and the relationships we build with them is an integral part of our CTE programs,” Nassau BOCES Barry Tech Work-Based Learning Coordinator Lauren Engels said in a news release about the brunch.

“Through the support, guidance, mentoring and expertise of our industry partners, we have been able to provide our students with the real-world skills and experiences they need to thrive in today’s ever-evolving workforce,” Engels added. “We thank our industry partners for their ongoing support, dedication to education and belief in the potential of our students.”

Marcela Pinzon, CEO and founder of The Fashionable Stylista in Syosset, which offers classes, camps and workshops for students interested in fashion design, spoke at this year’s breakfast.

The annual event is coordinated each year by the Barry Tech Work-Based Learning Department, which consists of the school’s work-based learning coordinators, including Engels, Amy Belfiore, Michele Leonardo and Jennifer Cappa. The school is led by Principal William Poll, and its coordinators establish relationships with local businesses, leading to internships or part-time work for students.