A group of J-D High School sophomores recently visited the Embedded Heavy Equipment and Diesel Technology program offered through OCM BOCES at Tracey Road Equipment in Syracuse.
Students toured the facility, seeing a variety of vehicles and equipment they could one day learn to operate and repair. They also heard directly from industry professionals about careers in heavy equipment and diesel technology.
The visit provided a firsthand look at the two-year program, which is designed to give high school students essential skills using the latest diagnostic equipment and repair techniques. Through daily, hands-on experience working with engines and heavy machinery, students gain practical knowledge that prepares them for careers in the field or continued education at technical schools or colleges.
Participants can also earn industry certifications in safety training and equipment operation. Students who successfully complete the program and pass a technical assessment can earn a Career and Technical Education (CTE) endorsement on their high school diploma, demonstrating they have met rigorous industry standards.
Jamesville-DeWitt had one student graduate in 2025 with a CTE endorsement in heavy equipment. 19 other students earned endorsements in other areas like cosmetology, welding, and health occupations.
You can learn more about OCM BOCES’ Career & Technical Education and New Vision classes here.