Now enrolling rising 11th and 12th graders for the 2025–2026 school year, this new regional CTE program—hosted at Candor High School—offers students hands-on training in the high-demand field of machining and advanced manufacturing. Manufacturing and machining blend creativity, problem-solving, and precision to shape the parts that power today’s world—from smartphones to airplanes. This course introduces students to the tools, techniques, and technologies behind modern manufacturing. Through hands-on learning and real-world projects, students will explore the fundamentals of machining while gaining skills that lead to high-demand, high-tech career pathways.

Location:
Candor High School (host site for this regional TST BOCES CTE program)

Schedule – 2025–2026 School Year:

• Morning Session: Rising 10th grade students
  Introductory experience designed to prepare students for full CTE enrollment in 11th grade.

• Afternoon Session: Rising 11th and 12th grade students
  11th graders will form the first full 2-year CTE cohort in machining & manufacturing.

Long-Term Structure:

• The 2025–2026 school year supports initial launch and program growth.

• Beginning in 2026–2027, the course will run as a traditional 2-year CTE program for 11th and 12th grade students.

Open to Students from:

• TST Component Districts (Candor, Dryden, George-Junior Republic, Groton, Ithaca, Lansing, Newfield, South Seneca, Trumansburg)

• Newark Valley CSD

• Owego CSD

• Spencer Van Etten CSD

• Year 1: Foundations of Machining

  • Precision measurement using industry-standard tools, manual machining with lathe and mill operations, use of equipment including band saw, drill press, plasma table, introduction to TIG welding, etc.
    

• Year 2: Advanced Manufacturing & Design

  • Fundamentals of technical drafting and blueprint reading, applying dimensions to real-world projects, introduction to CNC (Computer Numerical Control) programming, 3-D Printing, etc.

• CNC Machine Operator / Programmer
  Operate and program automated machines that cut and shape metal parts.

• Machinist / Manual Machinist
  Use precision tools and machinery to make parts for engines, tools, and industrial equipment.

• Welder / Fabricator
  Join and shape metal components using various welding techniques like TIG and MIG welding.

• Manufacturing Technician
  Work in production environments to assemble, inspect, and maintain equipment and components.

• Quality Control Inspector
  Use precision measuring tools to check if manufactured parts meet strict standards.

• Mechanical Engineering Technician
  Assist engineers in the design, development, and testing of machinery and parts.

• Tool and Die Apprentice
  Help create the custom tools and molds used in mass production.

• CAD/CAM Technician (with further training)
  Use software to design and plan the manufacturing of mechanical components.

Teacher

Jeff Brockway has over 30 years of experience in the machining and manufacturing feild. Jeff has been co-teaching the Heavy Equipment program at TST BOCES in Ithaca, NY.