A pair of Class of 2025 graduates built the foundations for bright futures at Capital Region BOCES, and in the process won the praise of a local home builder.
Building Trades program graduates Adam Miller and Braeden All received scholarships from Bill Lake Modular Homes during the June 12 BOCES graduation ceremony at Cobleskill-Richmondville High School.
Both students attended BOCES from Middleburgh.
The teenagers worked together to develop a business plan for the construction and sale of a tiny home. They then presented their plan in a “Shark Tank” format to Bill Lake officials.
In the process of awarding the students the scholarships, Jeff Knox, CEO of Bill Lake Modular Home, praised them for doing a “phenomenal” job at BOCES.
“They did a phenomenal job with the presentation and plan. They really stepped up,” said Knox.
“We need people like this in our industry. The industry is desperate for people with these skills,” he added.
Miller is attending college this fall in pursuit of a degree in business. He plans to operate his own construction business.
All, who was part of Capital Region BOCES National Signing Day in May, is going to work in the industry, having joined the Laborers’ Local 157 union and hired by Tri-City Scaffold Co. Inc.
“When I first walked into this program, I wasn’t sure where I was headed. Now, I’m walking out with purpose, pride and a clear direction. I know I’m not the only one who feels that way,” he said.
Students in Matt Hitchcock’s Building Trades program joined forces over the last two school years with their peers in Curtis Van Steele’s Electrical Trades program to develop blueprints for and then frame, roof, build, plumb and electrical wire a 24-foot, by nearly 12-foot house, as well as start the process on a second tiny home.
“This project brings it all together for the students,” said Hitchcock. “They started with the blueprints, developed a materials list, worked on framing and roofing, insulation, flooring – everything that goes into home construction.”