Micheal Coscia, a Paterson native, began his career in the electrical trade while enrolled in the Electrical program at Passaic County Technical-Vocational Institute (PCTI), part of the Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools. A 1974 graduate, Coscia said the hands-on education he received stuck with him and eventually motivated him to support future generations in their career and technical education (CTE) as an advisor and president of the district’s board of education.
“PCTI prepared me for career success by teaching me all the basics of the electrical field,” Coscia said. “Instead of starting from scratch when I entered the workforce, I already had a strong foundation. Because the program was hands-on, we received real, practical training, which allowed us to hit the ground running once we started working in the field.”
Coscia credits his career and technical education with setting him up for success immediately after graduation.
“After leaving school, I worked in the private sector, where you were often put right to work and expected to learn quickly,” he said. “Because of the education I received at the school, I had a running start. This gave me a clear advantage and perspective over others who didn’t have that training.”
Coscia went on to build a long and successful career as a certified electrician and is currently employed by Oak Electric Company Incorporated. Currently, he is president of the Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools Board of Education and is a founding member and treasurer of the PCTI Education Foundation.
“Staying involved allows me to give back, support career and technical education and help students succeed,” Coscia said.
He added, “I’ve always believed in giving back to the school and the community that helped shape my career.”
