Career Fair Proves BOCES is a Vital Part of the Regions Workforce Development Pipeline

ALBANY / SCHOHARIE — Capital Region BOCES provides a “pipeline” of skilled workers that supports the regional economy, and that was never more evident than on Wednesday when approximately 60 area businesses recruited 1,000 students during the annual career fair on the Career & Technical Education Center – Albany Campus.

“From airlines and professional sports teams to healthcare facilities and manufacturing operations, a wide array of businesses was on hand to engage students in the hiring process.

“This has been a great opportunity for us and you have some great kids. I am really impressed with the maturity and professionalism I have seen [at BOCES] today,” said Rachel Ceasar of the Bette Cring Construction Group.

Tom Carrigan, President and Marketing Director for UA Local 7, Plumbers and Steamfitters, concurred.

“I have talked to a lot of students today and I have met some really sharp candidates,” he said.

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.

“The Network Technology program here teaches all of the skills we are looking for. I am impressed with what I have seen here and the students I have met,” said  Chuck Crouch, Sales Manager, Adirondack Cabling and Security.

Students said they appreciated the opportunity on Wednesday to not only seek employment, but also explore their options.

“This opens up a lot of opportunities for us and allows us to see the various jobs that we can go into,” said Gwenyth Deichman, an aspiring investigator from Niskayuna enrolled in the BOCES Criminal Justice program. Schoharie High School junior Caleb Epting concurred.

“This allowed us to see what opportunities we have with the training we are getting here at BOCES. It’s really helpful to learn about all of the companies and what they have to offer,” the aspiring diesel technician said.

Capital Region BOCES partners with approximately 300 business, union 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.

For information on how to become a business partner or how to host students for work-based learning, contact Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator-Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle at 518-862-4823 or nancy.liddle@neric.org or go to https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/business-partners/.