ALBANY—Nearly two dozen businesses, unions, and government agencies participated in a Careers in Construction Month event on Oct. 25 at the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education Center – Albany Campus, aiming to recruit the next generation of skilled workers.
Students had the opportunity to meet potential employers, engage in demonstrations, and learn about various careers in the construction industry.
“I really like that we get out here and meet new people. I didn’t even know most of these businesses existed,” said Gianna Schillinger, a senior in Welding and Metal Fabrication from North Colonie Central School District.
Participating business, education, and labor partners included Appolo Heating, Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local No. 2 New York/Vermont, Callanan Industries, Carpenters Local No. 291, Crisafulli Brothers Home Services, Curtis Lumber, Robert H. Finke & Sons Inc., IUOE 158, Kenworth Northeast, The Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 190, Local 7 Plumbers & Steamfitters, Milton CAT, National Grid, and the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. Also in attendance were the New York State Department of Transportation, STS Steel Inc., T&J Companies, TCI of NY Inc., and Tri-City JATC.
BOCES partners highlighted the skilled-worker shortage and emphasized the importance of working with students to expand the pipeline of skilled workers at the regional, state, and national levels.
“It’s important to build relationships with students so that when they enter the workforce, they will remember us,” said Julia Gadwah, a recruitment and retention specialist with Curtis Lumber.
Thomas McKiernen of Carpenters Local No. 291 agreed, saying, “The construction industry is aging, and we need to find replacements for retirees. It’s good to get young people interested so they can learn the industry from the ground up.”
Students expressed appreciation for BOCES and its partners.
“Events like this are great. It gives us an opportunity to meet people in the industry and get our name out there,” said Nicholas Sparzo, a senior in Electrical Trades from Cohoes.
Schillinger echoed this sentiment: “It’s all about getting out here, shaking hands, and meeting people so I have a better chance of getting a job after school.”
Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator for Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle said the event succeeded in “inspiring students to think about all the possibilities that exist for their future.”
