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Work Experience Program

Aviation student seated in the cockpit of a small single-engine plane, preparing for flight training at a Nassau-area airfield.

Building career pathways for students. Preparing talent for employers.

The Work Experience Program connects Nassau BOCES students with real-world opportunities to gain skills, confidence, and experience. By partnering with communities and local industries, we help students take their first steps toward a successful career — while giving employers early access to motivated, career-ready talent.

Police Science student in professional attire seated at a desk, working with reports and documents in an office environment.

Students in the Work Experience Program build early career experience in law enforcement and criminal justice through real-world placements in police science settings.

Student teacher engaging with young children at a round table in a colorful elementary classroom.

Students in the Work Experience Program gain valuable classroom experience while supporting early childhood education professionals.

A person wearing a welding mask is working on a metal object, surrounded by various tools and equipment in a workshop setting with a red wall in the background.

Students practice welding techniques in a professional shop setting, gaining hands-on experience with tools, safety procedures, and fabrication skills.

The image shows a woman in a black apron working on the hair of a customer in a salon setting, with other customers and stylists visible in the background.

Students learn professional hairstyling techniques in a salon-style setting, building technical skills and preparing for future careers in cosmetology.

A young woman with long, wavy brown hair is smiling and holding a green parrot on her hand in what appears to be a home setting.

Through the Work Experience Program, students gain real-world experience caring for animals, developing confidence and skills while learning about careers in veterinary and companion-animal services.

The image shows the interior of an ambulance or emergency medical vehicle, with medical equipment and personnel attending to a patient on a stretcher.

Students train in a simulated ambulance environment, practicing life-saving procedures and learning what it takes to work on the front lines of emergency medical care.

Two women, one wearing a blue uniform and the other in a beige outfit, are engaged in conversation in what appears to be a medical or healthcare setting, with cabinets and other equipment visible in the background.

Students explore the world of skincare and wellness, practicing esthetics services and customer care in a spa-like environment.

Student inspecting mechanical components under an aircraft wing during hands-on aviation maintenance training.

Through the Work Experience Program, students explore careers in aviation maintenance by working directly on real aircraft.

A person intently focusing on sewing details

 

Real-World Experience That Builds Careers

The Work Experience Program gives students the chance to step out of the classroom and into the workplace. By participating, students:

  • Gain hands-on work experience through internships, job shadowing, and mentoring
  • Explore clear career pathways that connect school learning with real career opportunities
  • Receive resume coaching, interview practice and job-readiness training from professionals
  • Build skills and confidence to prepare for both college and career success

These experiences help students grow into future-ready professionals who know how to thrive in today’s workforce.

Students learning in an auto tech program

 

Invest in the Next Generation of Talent

Local businesses and industry partners play a vital role in shaping tomorrow’s workforce. By working with Nassau BOCES students, employers can:

  • Connect with motivated, career-ready candidates eager to learn and contribute.
  • Reduce training and onboarding time by working with students who already have workplace preparation.
  • Support inclusive through meaningful partnerships.
  • Mentor future employees while strengthening the local talent pipeline.
  • Build community connections and brand visibility as an engaged workforce leader.

Partnering with students today creates a stronger, more skilled workforce for tomorrow.

Get Involved in Building Tomorrow’s Workforce

Meet our team of Work Experience Coordinators

Regina Bast

Regina Bast

Gerald R. Claps Career & Technical Center
Lauren Engels

Lauren Engels

Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center
Jonah Kann

Jonah Kann

Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center
Michele Leonardo

Michele Leonardo

Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center
Natalie Zedzian

Natalie Zedzian

Long Island High School for the Arts