Seniors in Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES Outdoor Power Equipment and Powersports Technology class recently received training that could give them a leg up when it comes to finding a job.

The students went through STIHL’s silver training, the first time the training has ever been offered at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES. STIHL silver-level training – the second step in a STIHL technician's training – is hands-on training that teaches the students the proper way to inspect, troubleshoot and repair STIHL products. The training came at a perfect time for the seniors.

“Normally if a dealer wants to hire someone and train them, it can cost them upwards of $150 per person. Training the students helps save the dealer money but also ensures that they are getting someone that should know somewhat more than the average person that they would hire off the street. It’s giving the students an advantage of getting a job this spring,” said STIHL Territory Manager Ralph Stang.

The students also had the chance to learn and use an MS 500i chainsaw, the only fuel-injected chainsaw currently in production in the world. 

“Being able to operate the new fuel-injected chainsaw which just came out… that was kind of cool to be able to get our hands on it because some dealerships haven’t even done that yet,” said Southern Cayuga senior Dylan Haff. 

The Outdoor Power Equipment and Powersports Technology program provides students with the opportunities to learn more about system operations in the small gasoline engine and Powersports industry.