Ritchie Gets Firsthand Look at Equipment Preparing Students for Careers in Engineering, Manufacturing

State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing she has secured $50,000 in state funding for machinery being used by Center for Instruction, Technology and Innovation (CiTi) BOCES students in Mexico to better prepare them for careers in manufacturing and engineering in our region.

Funding secured by Senator Ritchie was used to purchase a CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machine, which is used in prototyping and full production for the cutting, carving, machining and milling of wood, plastics, aluminum and more.

The machine is being utilized in CiTi’s Advanced Metal Manufacturing program, which is a part of their Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings. In the class, students learn design, machining, fabricating and welding of raw materials like steel, brass and aluminum. The students use engineering drawing techniques and design software for their plans and then use machine tools and fabricating equipment to assemble their projects.

“This machine offers our students cutting-edge technology to help them in school and get ready for careers in industries that require advanced training,” said Senator Ritchie, who visited CiTi recently to see the machine firsthand. “I am pleased to secure this funding to help our local young people become better prepared for their futures.”

“The Advanced Metal Manufacturing program provides students with the career and technical skills necessary for sought-after jobs within the manufacturing industry of our region, and we are pleased to receive CNC machine funding for new equipment that will enhance student learning,” said Roseann Bayne, CiTi Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. “We would like to offer sincere thanks to Senator Ritchie for providing resources to enrich experiences for the students of Oswego County.”

Securing funding for CiTi’s new CNC machine is just one way Senator Ritchie is connecting Central New York students with real-life, hands-on experiences. In past years, she has secured funds to allow CiTi’s culinary arts students to prepare lunches for her annual Senior Health and Wellness Fairs, which attract thousands of area seniors annually.

(Senator Ritchie is pictured in front of CiTi’s new CNC machine with instructor Joe Hawksby and Ron Camp, Director of Alternative Programs.)