A Capital Region BOCES graduate returned this fall to teach in the same classrooms he once learned in.
Matt Landis graduated from the Career and Technical Education Center and returned this month as a teacher of the Heavy Equipment, Operation, Maintenance and Repair program.
“We are always pleased to bring our alumni back to share their very detailed knowledge of our programs and their professional experiences with the next generation of skilled workers,” said Jeff Palmer, director of Career and Technical Education at Capital Region BOCES.
Mr. Landis is a 2016 graduate of the Heavy Equipment program.
He went on to earn a degree in heavy equipment operations from Alfred State College of Technology and has been an equipment operator for the last five years, most recently working as a supervisor at an excavation company.
He also owns a small excavation company.
“What I look most forward to is the opportunity to effect change in students’ lives. Being a mentor to students in the trades and helping guide them down a long successful career is one of my main motivators,” he said.
“The education I received at BOCES and the hours of safety training built a foundation for success in the industry.”
Several career and technical education graduates have gained professional experience before returning to BOCES to teach in the programs they once learned in.
Automotive Trades Technology teacher Randy Barber, Automotive Services teacher John Kuscsik, and Welding and Metal Fabrication teacher Don Mattoon are among several CTE graduates who returned to their roots to share their knowledge and expertise.