Building a Future One Brick at a Time at BOCES - Seniors Signing on with Masonry Union

ALBANY/SCHOHARIE - A Capital Region BOCES senior is laying the foundation for future success by joining the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local 2 Union.

Cailyn Kennedy is joining the union thanks to the training she received – and connections she made – at the Career and Technical Education Center. 

“I am excited. I really like brick work,” said Kennedy, a Mohonasen student who attends the Building Trades program on the Albany Campus.

Building Trades and Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation students on both campuses each year complete masonry units thanks to the Upstate Masonry Institute and BAC. 

Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator for Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle said the initiative is designed to “provide exposure and educate the students in masonry while informing them as individuals about the career opportunities that are open to them.”

Union officials said the need is real for students who want to work.

“We want to grab these kids while there are still fresh sponges and show them all the different options that exist,” said John Synek, a trainer with the masonry union. 

Kennedy said she was first drawn to masonry by a family member.

“My grandfather used to be a mason and it just always interested me,” she said.

Kennedy will likely be part of the Capital Region BOCES National Signing Day on May 29 at the Career and Technical Education Center – Albany Campus.

The event, which is affiliated with the SkillsUSA National Signing Day, mirrors the NCAA’s National Signing Day for athletes who commit to playing sports in college. The BOCES Signing Day is designed to celebrate high school seniors and college/postsecondary students who have chosen to pursue a career as a professional in any of the skilled trades. 

Students who will be signing letters of intent hail from several area school districts that have committed to work in industries ranging from construction and land development businesses to unions, automotive and diesel engine repair shops and car dealerships.