The students and educators of Nassau BOCES Barry Tech recently honored nearly 100 local business leaders at the Industry Advisory Recognition Brunch. The annual event is an opportunity for Nassau BOCES Board members, administrators, faculty, staff and students to thank these invaluable mentors for their ongoing guidance and support.
Among the school’s distinguished guests were: the Deputy Commissioner for Administration of the Nassau County Department of Public Works; Chief of the Malverne Police Department; Second Lieutenant of the United States Air Force; an Assistant Court Attorney from the Nassau County Family Court Bureau, Juvenile Delinquency Unit; the Owner of Madona Cole Originals; a representative of the Greater New Automobile Dealers Association; and a number of company managers and department heads.
Barry Tech collaborates with more than 800 Long Island businesses, giving students the significant advantage of on-the-job work experience under the supervision of industry specialists. The school’s industry partners help students to develop the skills necessary to compete in their chosen career fields. In addition to providing real-world experience, industry partners regularly visit classrooms to offer their expertise, invite students to tour their facilities to learn about their respective businesses, and offer internships and paid employment opportunities.
At the brunch, industry partners were honored by Nassau BOCES administrators, government officials, community leaders and Barry Tech alumni. They were given a red carpet welcome by Barry Tech student ambassadors, and awarded with plaques and certificates thanking them for their contributions. They were also given a comprehensive tour of the state-of-the-art Joseph M. Barry Career and Technical Education Center.
But the day’s most important business was the collaboration between industry partners, faculty and guidance counselors to improve instruction. The business leaders offered their input on new curriculum to ensure that it is up to date with the most current industry standards.
“Our industry partners are crucial to the success of our students,” said Work Experience Teacher Coordinator Randi O’Moore. “They share their experiences in the field, inform our students’ education with their expertise and help them to hone their skills. They give our students a real-life look at their chosen career fields.”
—Submitted by Nassau BOCES
