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October 26, 2022Capital Region BOCES celebrates Careers in Construction Month Matching Employers with Future Employees
Nearly two dozen businesses, unions and colleges took part in a Careers in Construction Month event Friday at the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education Center – Schoharie Campus, recruiting the next generation of skilled workers.
Students operated equipment, built brick walls, operated demonstrators and submitted resumes during the event that was designed to spread awareness about the value of the skilled trades in the construction industry.
“We are thrilled to death to be a part of this and to have a partnership with BOCES. Many of our workers, including our owner, have graduated from BOCES and BOCES does a fantastic job preparing and guiding these kids into great careers,” said Steve Micelli of Finke equipment.
“It’s more important than ever for us to get out here, talk about the great skills they are learning here and the successful job and careers they can have,” added Cori Schneider, New York state recruiter for Milton Cat.
Business, education and labor partners on hand included Albany County Department of Public Works and Department of Transportation, Bricklayers & Allied Crafters Union Local 2, Callanan Industries, Inc., Carver Companies, D.A. Collins, Finke Equipment, Crisifulli Bros, Curtis Lumber, Eastern Contractors Association, Inc, IUOE Local 158, Kamco Supply of New England, Laborers Local 157 Union, Lancaster Development Tri-City Highway Products, Inc., Milton CAT, National Grid, New York State Department of Transportation, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Local 291, Penske, Tri-City International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, UCFNE, Korandace Pool Builders, Ltd.
National Grid brought the largest delegation to the event, deploying approximately 50 workers and 30 trailers to showcase the diversity of job opportunities they offer.
“We have a commitment to build the electrical grid and infrastructure of the future and we need the workers to fill those jobs. We recognize the value BOCES has in preparing the workers to fill those jobs,” said National Grid Regional Executive Laurie Poltynski.
Students said they appreciated the effort by BOCES and its partners.
“This is amazing. Nothing beats this and going to BOCES,” said Drew Hall, a heavy equipment senior from Middleburgh. “It gives you an opportunity to get your feet wet and make connections that can turn into a lifelong career.”
“This is nice. There are a lot of opportunities for us,” said Devon Hotaling, a senior in the heavy equipment program as he filled out an application for the Operators Union.
Throughout October, Capital Region BOCES – in conjunction with its business and higher education partners – is highlighting national Careers in Construction Month with activities around the multitude of careers and opportunities that exist in the industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 300,000 construction jobs went unfilled last summer, a situation that is expected to only get worse as baby boomers retire and the economy continues to rebound from the COVID-19-induced halt to much of the workforce.
From electrical trades to heavy equipment operation and maintenance to construction, carpentry, welding and HVAC/R, programming provides students with pathways to great careers. As a result, Capital Region BOCES students are ready to build the future of the region and the state.
For more information on how Capital Region BOCES is celebrating Careers in Construction Month, go to https://www.capitalregionboces.org/buildyourfuture/.
