Capital Region BOCES provides a “pipeline” of skilled workers that supports the regional economy.
That fact was never more evident than on March 19 when nearly 60 area businesses recruited nearly 1,000 students during the annual career fair on the Career & Technical Education Center – Albany Campus.
From labor unions to healthcare facilities, state agencies and manufacturing operations to international businesses, a wide array of organizations were on hand to engage students in the hiring process.
“I am super impressed with the caliber of students we are meeting here,” said Jacob DeGarmo, Service Manager for New Country Porsche of Clifton Park. “They look you in the eye and shake your hand. It’s good to see.”
Katie Carey of Carey Electric was also effusive with praise for the students and Capital Region BOCES.
“The kids are very engaged and professional. It’s our third time here and we are never disappointed,” she said.
The event was the first time GE Vernova recruited at Capital Region BOCES.
“We are very happy with the maturity of the students. They are ready to talk about careers when they approach us,” said GE’s Andrew Terry.
Employers said BOCES’ three dozen high school and adult education programs provide the skilled labor training that is so desperately sought in the workforce right now.
“A CTE education is so important for kids. It allows them to see the tools, get hands-on practice and see what opportunities are out there,” said Julia Gadwah, a human resources recruitment and retention specialist with Crisafulli Brothers Home Services.
Students said they appreciated the chance to not only seek employment but also explore their options.
“It’s a good opportunity to meet people in the industry. It’s easier than if I had to drive to all of these places to introduce myself,” said Azrael Lozano, a Plumbing Technology student from Voorheesville.
Automotive Trades Technology student Joseph Hargraves was also making the rounds, meeting potential employers from across the region.
“This is awesome. I plan to take full advantage of this opportunity and get my name out there,” the Schenectady student said.
Capital Region BOCES partners with approximately 500 businesses, unions and education partners to provide these career opportunities for students, while also ensuring students receive the training required for the careers of today and tomorrow.
Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator-Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle thanked the businesses and organizations for their support.
“The continued support of these partners ensures our students continue to have great opportunities to succeed, both personally and professionally,” she said.
Businesses and organizations on hand recruiting on Thursday included:
- Albany County Department of Civil Service
- BBL Management
- Bette Cring Construction Group
- Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 2NY Training & Education Program
- Capital Region BOCES
- Capitaland Motors GMC Subaru
- Carey Electric Inc.
- Carl’s Advanced Automotive
- Casella Waste Systems Inc.
- CDTA Capital District Transportation Authority
- Crisafulli Brothers Home Services
- Curtis Lumber
- Cypress Pools and Spas
- D.A. Collins Companies
- Decker Group Ltd.
- Fort Orange Press
- GE Vernova
- GlobalFoundries
- Greno Industries
- Ironworkers Local 12
- Kingsway Community
- Laborer’s Local 190
- LeChase Construction Services
- Lithia & Driveway
- Mercedes Benz
- Mercedes Benz Sprinter
- Miller Transportation Group
- Milton CAT
- Mohawk Honda
- Mohawk Chevrolet
- New Country Porsche of Clifton Park
- New York Power Authority
- North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
- NY Creates
- New York State Office of People With Developmental Disabilities
- New York State Department of Transportation Fleet Administration
- New York State Police
- New York State Thruway Authority
- Owens Corning
- Orchard Ford/Nissan
- Package One Industries
- Philips Medical Systems
- RM Dalrymple Company Inc.
- Spectrum\STS Steel Inc.
- TCI NY
- Town of Colonie
- Tri-City JATC
- Tri-City ValleyCats
- Transportation Safety Administration
- UA Local 7 Plumbers and Steamfitters
For information on how to become a business partner or how to host students for work-based learning, contact Liddle at 518-862-4823 or visit the website.