Hendrick Hudson Student Interns with PNW BOCES Operations and Maintenance Crew

For Hendrick Hudson High School senior Kevin Paredes, real-world experience in HVAC didn’t require a long commute — just a walk across campus.

Since December, Paredes (pictured left) has spent two days a week interning with PNW BOCES Operations and Maintenance mechanics Ken Theall and Hans Urbina at the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center in Yorktown Heights. The hands-on internship has given him a rare opportunity to work directly on commercial-grade equipment while still in high school.

“Working with Ken and Hans is pretty cool, and it’s a really good opportunity to learn and experience what it’s like being in the field,” Paredes said.

Unlike many students who only encounter residential HVAC systems, Paredes has been immersed in large-scale commercial units. From servicing a large boiler on campus to observing a heat pump installation at Fox Meadow High School, he’s gaining exposure to equipment and systems many technicians don’t see until years into their careers.

He’s also learning how to navigate the Building Management System (BMS), the computer program that monitors and controls HVAC operations throughout the campus. By working with both digital controls and hands-on mechanical systems, Paredes is building a well-rounded skill set that blends traditional techniques with modern technology.

The internship’s extended timeline has also allowed him to experience the seasonal nature of HVAC work. As winter shifts into spring, he’s now preparing units for the air conditioning season — performing maintenance, cleaning systems, and ensuring equipment is ready for warmer weather.

Paredes recognizes how valuable this early exposure is, especially when comparing residential and commercial environments.

“Working residential (HVAC) with smaller units is hard because you work in tight spaces,” he said. “But when you’re working commercial (HVAC), you can stand under a unit and work on it.”

For Paredes, the experience isn’t just about earning credits — it’s about building confidence and gaining a clear understanding of what a future in the trades can look like. Through his internship, the Hendrick Hudson senior is already stepping into the professional world, equipped with knowledge, experience, and a head start on his career.