Watervliet High School senior Demari Perkins plans to take the education and training he has received at Capital Region BOCES to new heights after graduation.

Demari is in his final year of the Network Technology program at the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education Center in Albany and recently completed work-based learning with Piedmont Airlines where he hopes to return as an employee.

“I think Piedmont is a good opportunity. I enjoy the concept of working to keep planes in the air,” Demari said.

While his training at BOCES has focused on wiring, cabling and technology, he hopes to be selected by the airline to take part in Piedmont’s Tuition Payment Program. Students selected for the program receive a free college education at one of Piedmont’s partner schools where they learn to be airline maintenance technicians. They also received more than $6,000 in tools and a job upon completion of college.

Last year, three Class of 2023 BOCES graduates were chosen for the Piedmont tuition program, and Demari hopes to follow that path.

“I would like to sign with them during (Capital Region BOCES Signing Day in May) and gain opportunities through them,” said Demari, adding that he learned a lot during the recent work-based learning, most notably that “you need a good team to execute your job well. Everyone needs to work together.”

Capital Region BOCES works with more than 300 business, education and labor partners—such as Piedmont—to provide training and career opportunities to the approximately 1,400 students enrolled in its Career & Technical Education programs.

“Aircraft maintenance careers are in high demand and at Piedmont, we are committed to helping our team members reach their full potential to prepare for the next level in their career,” airline officials have said.

Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator-Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle said, “We value Piedmont’s partnership and generosity to assist students with their career goals.”