Students and educators at Barry Tech recently honored more than 100 business leaders at the annual Industry Advisory Recognition Brunch. The event is an opportunity for Nassau BOCES Board members, administrators, faculty and staff to thank these invaluable mentors for their ongoing guidance and support.

Nassau BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools’ (Barry Tech, GC Tech and Long Island High School for the Arts) partner with more than 800 Long Island businesses, giving students the significant advantage of career-field experience under the supervision of industry specialists who help them to develop the skills necessary to compete in the workplace. In addition to providing real-world work experience, industry partners regularly visit classrooms to offer their expertise and invite students to tour their facilities and learn about their respective businesses.

“Our collaboration with industry partners and the relationships we build with them is an integral part of our CTE programs” says Nassau BOCES Barry Tech Work-Based Learning Coordinator Lauren Engels. “Through the support, guidance, mentoring and expertise of our industry partners, we have been able to provide our students with the real-world skills and experiences they need to thrive in today’s ever-evolving workforce. We thank our industry partners for their ongoing support, dedication to education and belief in the potential of our students.”

At the brunch, industry partners are celebrated and given a red-carpet welcome by student ambassadors. They also enjoy a delicious brunch prepared and served by culinary students. But the most important part of the day is when the partners meet with members of the faculty and guidance to inform the curriculum and be sure the programs are teaching to the most current industry standards.

The annual event is coordinated each year by the Barry Tech Wok-Based Learning Department which consists of the school’s Work-Based Learning Coordinators: Lauren Engels, Amy Belfiore, Michele Leonardo and Secretary Jennifer Cappa. They work diligently to establish relationships with local businesses. The partnerships they develop are evident in the opportunities provided to students through internships or part-time work. Industry partners also come to classes as guest speakers and provide tours of their businesses, giving a glimpse into the real-world experience.

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