What is Ulster BOCES?
Ty Kropp, Jr.

Ulster BOCES means different things to different people. To Ty Kropp, Jr., a former Computer Design/Manufacturing Technology (CDM) student, Ulster BOCES means being able to learn valuable skills in high school, which opened the door for him to be offered his dream job at Orange County Choppers (OCC), a premier builder of custom motorcycles that is highlighted weekly on the TLC television series, American Chopper. In his job at OCC, Ty puts his skills to work daily in a fast-paced shop that builds motorcycles for some of the most recognized names in the United States, including Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and even the Pentagon.

Ty, who began attending the CDM program at the Career & Technical Center in 2004 when he was junior at Highland High School, was initially interested in the computer side of architecture and designing houses, but says he “didn’t like sitting that long.” So as a result, he began working on the CNC (computer numerical control) lathes and mills in the shop. “My teacher, Mr. (Mark) Harris, started to give me a few projects to do, and I kind of picked up on it quickly and then we went into more detailed work, such as writing programs by hand, and that’s where that took off for me.”

Ty was hooked. “Making stuff has always been something I was interested in—being able to make whatever I want, whether it’s a knife handle or wheel spacers for somebody’s car. I just really like that creative, hands-on aspect of design and manufacturing.”

Mr. Harris was a positive influence on Ty, who says he felt the instructor is extremely personable and has a great camaraderie with his students. “He is awesome. He kept the lessons balanced between teaching and the hands-on work. Plus, he would joke around and keep an overall good mood in the classroom, which made it very enjoyable to come to class.” Even today, Ty comes back to visit Mr. Harris and the Career & Technical Center. “It’s almost like a third home to me,” claims Ty. “I enjoy seeing Mr. Harris and catching up. Every once in awhile, if I get stuck on something, he’ll give me advice.”

The high point of his Ulster BOCES training came during Ty’s senior year of high school when he earned an interview with the famed Orange County Choppers in Montgomery, the official location of the company featured on the TLC television series American Chopper. Jim Quinn, the lead engineer with OCC, contacted Mr. Harris looking for students who could be potential employees, and Ty was one of the students recommended for an interview. One week later, the call came saying Ty was hired. “I was still in school; a few weeks away from turning 18 and graduation, and I got my dream job,” recalls Ty.

Ty credits Ulster BOCES for preparing students for the workforce by training them on state-of-the-art equipment. “At the Career & Technical Center, we learn on Haas machines, which is what we have at OCC, so coming in to the job I knew all the software, how to set up and operate the lathe and machines…I knew all that hands down. That is a great advantage.”

According to Ty, an interesting factor about the hiring process was the discovery that the job interview actually began the moment he walked through the doors of Orange County Choppers. “They were looking at us right from the moment we walked in. They were watching what our reaction was to the pieces, what we looked at, and what questions we were asking. A lot of the people were pleased with what I knew coming out of Ulster BOCES. What we learn at Ulster BOCES is equivalent to college level.”

In his position as a machinist, Ty works in a large busy machine shop where all the work demands are done according to specific deadlines and under the close scrutiny of founder Paul Teutul, Sr., who along with his son, Paul, Jr., are the driving creative forces behind Orange County Choppers, which is highlighted weekly on the fast-paced American Chopper.

“It’s just awesome—very cool,” Ty says about working at OCC and being a part of the American Chopper phenomenon. “It’s a very enjoyable job. We work well with each other. Everybody’s cool, cracking jokes, but we all are serious when needed. It’s just a nice place to work. It’s what I was trained at Ulster BOCES to do.”

As part of his Ulster BOCES training, Ty has also received several industry certifications as well as learning Mastercam, a widely-used CNC software program. “It’s a great program. Learning it definitely contributed to my being hired by Orange County Choppers,” notes Ty, who has tasted a bit of success himself as a result of all his hard work and determination. He has been featured on the Mastercam website, as well as in company promotional pieces in trade magazines and posters, including one that adorns the wall at Ulster BOCES.

“I like the fact that I get to make new stuff everyday,” says Ty. “It’s awesome to know I’ve contributed to making these finished pieces that go to something so widely recognized as Orange County Choppers.” And his work has not gone unnoticed. Several months ago, Ty was awarded “Employee of the Month” status for his creative design of a primary cover (belt cover) for a specific bike. He also enjoyed making a solid primary plate (a part that connects the motor to the transmission) for the same motorcycle. “It was a large piece of the bike that I got entrusted to make.” Ty also enjoys making novelty pieces, such as foot boards. “It’s pretty awesome to be able to make things in-house.”

His plans for the future include getting his own Buell Firebolt (a sport bike with a Harley Davidson engine) and a new Chevy Colorado Crew Cab that he plans to put his handiwork on. “My friend had a Chevy Colorado, and I designed and made a part for the intake for him. He liked it. It’s all about personalization. That’s where all the money is. That’s why I’m in the custom business,” says Ty.

“Ulster BOCES definitely gives you the training needed to go right out to the field. It’s all geared towards having the students excel in the real world and giving them the necessary skills to do so. To be able to work in a job you like is what it’s all about—you don’t want to hate what you do, you want to be excited to go to work. For me, I have the kind of job that on my way home, I’m thinking of more things to do. It doesn’t get much better than that.”