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.
Chad Castle is a senior in the HVAC program at Robert H. Gibson Technical School from Troy CSD.
Chad Castle is a senior in the Questar III BOCES HVAC program at Robert H. Gibson Technical School from Troy City School District. Chad was exploring career options when he attended an Open House in 10th grade.
“I thought I’d come and look at some of the programs, and that’s when I realized that I wanted to be hands-on instead of learning at a desk,” Chad shared. “The HVAC program stood out to me because you’re never really going to be looking at the same (project) every day.”
Through this program, students learn the fundamental skills in HVAC systems through a blend of traditional classroom instruction and hands-on learning. Part of that instruction includes integrated math and science in their junior year, and integrated English in their senior year. Chad shared that he’s always loved math and science, but found it to be easier.
“They’re more for your future,” Chad stated. “We learned about your credit score, car insurance, health insurance, and taxes. It also relates to your industry. In HVAC, we look more into the chemicals we’ll be using, like refrigerants, for science. And in math, we did a lot of fractions and reciprocals. That’s definitely helped this year, because now we’re using (the math) in our English paper for heat loss.”
Students are also working on their portfolios in English, which include their resume, application, cover letter, title page, and the awards and certifications they’ve received over the two years. Certifications found in Chad’s portfolio include OSHA and the EPA 608, which is required by all persons who maintain, service, repair of dispose of appliances that contain ozone depleting refrigerants.
Students are also presented with opportunities to develop their soft skills. Chad felt his leadership and communication skills have improved since joining CTE.
“Usually, I’d be the one to go to school, sit in the back, not talk to anyone, and just get my work done. Now I help lead the class and lead them through tasks.”
Chad Castle showcases his HVAC skills and placed third in the HVAC category at the 2025 SkillsUSA Region 3 Competition.
Another way to develop those skills is to be active with events at the school. As a member of SkillsUSA, he helped plan their annual Holiday House and competed in last year’s Region 3 tournament, finishing 3rd in HVAC. He also joined the Youth Apprenticeship Program, which allowed him 200 hours of paid on the job training this past summer. Chad was matched with Bold Refrigeration, Heating, and AC.
“It was a great experience,” Chad said. “I learned a lot because I was actually moving around, experiencing what it’s like in the real world instead of being in a warm classroom. I helped clean AC units, and if there was a problem, I’d have to figure out what was wrong.”
In addition to the colleagues he met over the summer, he’s also met several industry professionals who have visited the classroom. They’re able to share advice on how to get started, while also pitching the benefits of working for their company.
“You get to make outside connections while you’re still a student,” Chad said. “Most of these guest speakers are still looking for people to hire.”
As for Bold Refrigeration, Heating, and AC, they’ve invited Chad to return after graduation. He plans to return to gain more experience.
“My experience here has been really amazing,” Chad shared. “All the teachers are very helpful and dedicated to what they do. I’d suggest going to an open house, get your name in the building, and see if you’re interested. The counselors are going to look at your background, so keep up on your classes, have good attendance, and be ready.”