October is National Careers in Construction Month
October is National Careers in Construction Month, and there’s no better place for area high school students and adults to learn the trade than at Capital Region BOCES.
Nearly 90 area businesses and institutions regularly collaborate with us to build the future of the construction industry in the Capital Region and beyond. Their support is crucial not only to student success, but also to the future of the construction industry.
Construction Business Partners
Some of partners supporting Careers in Construction Month include the Associated General Contractors New York State, BBL Construction Services, Carey Electric Inc., Collett Mechanical Inc., McD Metals, LLC; Parker & Hammond Construction, LLC; and Stone Bridge Iron & Steel, Inc, among many others. View a complete list of construction business partners.
“These partnerships are critical because they allow us to stay on top of what is going on in the industry,” said Capital Region BOCES Senior Executive Officer Joseph P. Dragone, Ph.D. “They also help to place students in good jobs that help grow the regional economy and overcome national unemployment trends.”
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 to construction, carpentry, welding and HVAC/R, programming provides students with pathways to great careers.
Enrollment in our eight construction-related programs is up 22 percent from the prior school year with 336 high school students from 27 area school school districts in attendance. This underscores a greater trend of students and their families realizing the value of the skilled trades.
Nearly all programs provide students with professional certifications, many of which are recognized nationwide by contractors and employers. Many of our adult programs boast a 100 percent career placement.
“The construction industry offers exciting, interesting and rewarding careers—with or without an advanced degree,” said Associated General Contractors New York State CEO and President Michael J. Elmendorf II. “Quite literally, our industry and the individuals who make it work build New York! From buildings to bridges and even iconic places like Yankee Stadium or facilities at the Saratoga Racetrack, our members—many of whom are Capital Region BOCES graduates—can proudly say, ‘I built that.’”
Careers in Construction Month Events
In recognition of national Careers in Construction Month, we’re highlighting the growing field of construction trades and will inspire the next generation of craft professionals. Special events will shine a spotlight on the connections students have with business partners and construction industry training programs. View a complete list of Careers in Construction Month events happening at Capital Region BOCES.
Students will also tour the construction site for a new Career & Technical School being built to replace the nearly 50-year-old complex at 1015 Watervliet-Shaker Road. The new building will be outfitted with modern labs and learning spaces to train students and adults for current and future industry needs. Construction remains on track for a September 2022 opening at 925 Watervliet-Shaker Road.
Spread The Word: Build Your Future At BOCES
Additionally, Capital Region BOCES signed a pledge with Build Your Future to spread the word about the wide range of construction career paths while promoting positive perceptions of construction. We also filed a proclamation with New York state to enlist the governor’s help in commemorating October as Careers in Construction Month.