CTE event allows students to lay a solid foundation for their construction industry futures

A student lays brick as a mason looks on — Welding and Metal Fabrication student Jewelia Berggren, BHBL, lays bricks under the watchful eye of a member of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworks Union Local 2.

In one area, a 16-year-old laid bricks under the watchful eye of a mason and in another area a 15-year-old was operating a backhoe with the tutelage of an Equipment operator. In yet another area on Thursday, a high school senior was shaking hands and lining up a potential career as a construction worker with a local labor leader.

That was the scene as about 1,000 high school students from Capital Region BOCES networked and learned from more than 30 area business, labor and government organizations at the annual Careers in Construction Month expo at the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center – Albany Campus.

“This is a great opportunity,” said Aiden Forster, an Electrical Trades senior from Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk (RCS). “Events like this are needed for a lot of kids my age because a lot of them don’t want to get their hands dirty and they don’t know how lucrative the work can be.”

Students from a host of Capital Region BOCES construction industry

Student and rep speak — Network Technology I student Davaughn White, Cohoes, speaks with Local 158 International Union of Operating Engineers Joel Greene.

programs met with organizations that ranged from Appolo Heating to Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local No. 2 New York/Vermont to; Robert H. Finke & Sons Inc.; Abele Tractor & Equipment Co. and DDS Companies.

“Events like this are crucial to the future of students and the industry,” said Joe Johnson, owner of Johnson Electrical and a 2004 CTE graduate. “I love to come here and show the kids the opportunities that these programs offer them if they are willing to put the work in.”

Louie Angelo, an organization with the Carpenter’s Union, agreed.

“It is extremely important to show the opportunities that exist for students who might not be interested in going to the college route and who like hands-on work,” Angelo said.

Students appreciated the event.

HERO student Jayden Leslie, Shaker, operates a Kubota from Abele Tractor with Greg Gainor.

“It’s giving me the opportunity to make a connection that can hopefully lead to a part-time job when I am in college,” said Kevin Ali, a Diesel Tech student from Mohonasen who is furthering his education in the industry.

“I am enjoying meeting with representatives of the different companies and seeing what they have to offer,” added Vincent DonVito, a Building Trades student from Mohonasen.

Allie Smith, a Heavy Equipment Repair and Operations (HERO) senior from Schoharie, said she enjoyed the networking opportunity.

“It’s great to meet new people, shake hands with people from the industry and show what I have learned in the last two years at BOCES,” she said while climbing off a backhoe.

Student drills while union rep watches — Vincent DonVito, Mohonasen, drills a screw while a union rep watches.

October is National Careers in Construction Month. Throughout the month, Capital Region BOCES—in conjunction with its business and higher education partners—is highlighting the programs it offers that help build the workforce of tomorrow, as well as the opportunities that exist for workers in those industries.

Nancy Liddle, Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator-Business & Community Partnerships, said events that highlight the opportunities that exist to students—and provide networking opportunities—are critical to the success of BOCES, students and the construction industry.

“These events provide meaningful opportunities for our students to find jobs in the industry they love and for our partners to find the workers they need to power the future of their industry,” Liddle said.