High School Juniors Building Bright Futures in the Construction Industry while Overcoming Gender Stereotypes

SCHOHARIE — A pair of female high school juniors are building at Capital Region BOCES the foundation for bright futures in the construction industry.

Sarah Gingell and Katerina Koon are enrolled in the Building Trades program on the Career and Technical Education Center – Schoharie Campus. There, they are gaining valuable construction industry experience through on- and off-campus projects as they prepare for careers in the industry.

Both Cobleskill-Richmondville students plan to use those skills to work as contractors.

March is Women’s History Month, and throughout the month, Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School will be shining a spotlight on women in the trades – those women who are challenging gender stereotypes and building solid futures through their time at Capital Region BOCES.

Gingell was drawn to the industry by experiences she had as a child.

“I used to build things like a porch with my grandpa (Wayne) when I was little. I have great memories of that,” she said.

Koon is not following family into the trade but is pursuing an overall interest in construction.

“Building is a good skill set to have as a female. It’s better to know how to repair things yourself than it is having to rely on someone else,” she said.

As to entering an industry that is nearly 90% male, none of the young women see their gender as an issue.

“We have learned a lot already and Mr. [Matt] Hitchcock has made it clear that we can do anything the guys can do,” Koon said.

There are about 90 students enrolled in the Building Trades program the Schoharie and Albany campuses.

Recruitment for the 2025-26 school year is underway. Anyone interested in information on attending ther Automotive Trades program or any of our programs may go to https://www.capitalregionboces.org/visit-career-and-technical-ed/.