Each year, Questar III BOCES celebrates Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month®, a time to celebrate our students and the opportunities CTE provides. While our students are learning the technical skills required to fill employment needs across our region, state, and country, they’re also developing the soft skills to become great employees and leaders. When a student chooses a CTE program, they’re choosing more than just job training; they’re choosing to be prepared for what comes next, whether that’s college, advanced training, or an immediate career in the workforce. We’re honored to provide them with that foundation.
Join us throughout the month of February as we celebrate all things CTE. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn to learn more about our programs and our students.
Scott Coonradt is a senior in Construction Technology at Robert H. Gibson Technical School from Troy CSD.
Scott Coonradt is a senior in the Questar III BOCES Construction Technology program at Robert H. Gibson Technical School from Troy City School District. Scott explained that he’s always been handy and into woodworking. Joining this program was an opportunity to expand his skills.
“Some (skills) translate,” Scott said. “What I would do on my own was more like fine woodworking. But in construction, we’re building sheds and structures. I didn’t have a lot of experience with that, but it’s been a lot of fun.”
Scott has helped build several sheds over the past two years. He’s also helped build cubbies for the Cosmetology classroom, framed structures for the Electrical Trades classroom, a gingerbread house, train, and village for two Culinary Arts projects for the Joseph L. Bruno Rail Station in Rensselaer, picnic tables, and other small projects. Scott also participated in the Questar III BOCES Business and Education Partnership program at his home district, where he helped 4th graders build a toolbox.
Scott Coonradt takes a measurement at the SkillsUSA Region 3 Competition in 2025.
In addition to learning technical skills, CTE students also take integrated English, math, and science. Many students find these subjects to be easier or more enjoyable because they directly relate to their program.
“It’s different because it really focuses on your trade,” Scott explained. “Before I was taking algebra, and here it was technical math. We learned about finding the square footage and volume, or even real world things like writing checks or doing your taxes.”
Scott also participates in SkillsUSA. Last year, he placed 3rd in the Region 3 competition and 8th in the NYS competition. SkillsUSA competitions are an opportunity for students to showcase their skills to industry professionals, network with other students, and enhance their soft skills.
“Being here gives you real world experience, without actually being out in the real world. It’s the perfect step before,” shared Scott. “It’s been a great program; the teachers have been great. Mr. McGillycuddy has been a contractor or tradesman for a very long time. If you mess up or you’re not quite sure, he makes sure to show you. He’s always patient and takes his time with every single person. It’s just a great school and a great community.”
Following graduation, Scott hopes to attend Hudson Valley Community College to figure out his next steps. He would like to explore civil or mechanical engineering in the future.