Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES (E2CCB) recently hosted New York State Sen. George Borrello and Assemblyman Andrew Molitor at the Western New York P-TECH Academy (WNY P-TECH) for a special Advocacy Event focused on workforce development, hands-on learning, and strategic BOCES policy improvements to benefit students and schools across the region.
During their visit, the state legislators toured WNY P-TECH’s computer, machining, and welding labs, where students showcased a wide array of design and fabrication projects — from custom GoPro mounts for a horseback riding project to parts for Range Ranch in Fredonia, local veteran organizations. The tour offered a close look at how students integrate foundational manual skills with modern CNC technology, 3D printing, and plasma cutting, preparing them for real-world careers in high-demand technical fields.
“For 88% of the time, students are engaged in project-based learning,” said Jeffrey Teluk, WNY P-TECH principal. “Like I ask our students, when you’re not being told what to do, what do you gravitate toward? They want to take that apart and see how it works – that’s the kid we want.”
Throughout the tour, students and staff emphasized the importance of industry certifications, including SolidWorks and AWS welding credentials, that give P-TECH graduates a competitive edge. WNY P-TECH graduates have already begun securing careers with companies such as Cummins, Eaton Aerospace, and Bush Industries.
“This program is producing middle-skilled employees ready to walk into high-demand, well-paying careers,” Teluk said. “Our students leave here with certifications like CSWP and AWS, and many receive job offers from local manufacturers before they even graduate.”
Prior to the tour of P-TECH, Sen. Borrello and Assemblyman Molitor joined members of the Tri-County BOCES Education Association (TBEA) for a roundtable discussion on legislative advocacy. A key focus of the conversation was a proposal to extend the one-year limit currently imposed on out-of-state student enrollment in BOCES programs. The legislators heard firsthand how lifting this limit would allow students from nearby Pennsylvania to enroll in multi-year programs like WNY P-TECH — filling open seats, increasing revenue, and boosting the regional economy.
“Whenever we sell services outside of our BOCES boundary, that benefits our component school systems,” said David O’Rourke, Ph.D., E2CCB District Superintendent. “That actually helps their operational cost through efficiency.”
The result could be in the form of revenue, but also come in the form of workforce development, according to Borrello.
“How many of those students could potentially get an internship or employment in New York,” Borrello remarked.
WNY P-TECH offers a supportive learning environment with small class sizes, embedded social-emotional resources, and regular visits to partner colleges like Jamestown Community College. Students stay connected to their home school districts for extracurriculars while earning both a high school diploma and an associate degree in mechanical or electrical technology.
“The philosophy here is ‘right kid, right program,’” O’Rourke said.
“We’re not just preparing students for jobs — we’re helping them discover careers they love,” Teluk added.
With room to grow, WNY P-TECH is poised to expand its impact. Program leaders emphasized the importance of community and legislative support in continuing to change perceptions around technical education and broaden opportunities for all students.
For more information, visit https://www.e2ccb.org.
