Career Fair for Schoharie-area High School Students Helping Businesses Meet Workforce Weeds

SCHOHARIE -- Nearly 50 area employers will recruit area high school students for jobs in the skilled trades on March 25 as they seek to meet their growing workforce needs.

Businesses and unions, ranging from Callanan Industries to Local 7 Plumbers and Steamfitters to Lancaster Development, Inc. / Tri-City Highway Products, Inc., will attend the annual Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical Education Center – Schoharie Campus Career Fair on March 25. The event runs from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on the campus, which is located at 174 State Route 30A in Schoharie, N.Y. 

Business leaders repeatedly praise BOCES with helping them to find future employees – especially during a period when there is a skilled worker shortage.  

“We work with BOCES and attract students with skills and then we have to bring them in and mold them to the employee we need,” said Dan Corbett, equipment manager for Lancaster Development.

“From resumes to completing the application and the interview process in a professional manner, CTE students from Capital Region BOCES are well prepared, professional, and eager,” said Josh Shaul, Business Manager/ Secretary Treasurer for the laborer’s union.

Students and graduates say the career fairs gave them bright futures.

“I was able to make a lot of important connections [in the industry] when I was at BOCES. I went to a lot of job fairs BOCES put on, met with businesses who came to our program and took part in work-based learning through BOCES,” said Class of 2024 graduate Jarand “J.J.” Jackson, who is a heating and cooling technician with Crisafulli Brothers Plumbing.

Class of 2022 graduate Tom Rodick sounded a similar message.

“BOCES connects education with everyday life and gives you the skills you need to succeed,” said Rodick, a graduate of the Network Technology program who was hired by BBL Construction Services.

Nancy Liddle, Managing Program Coordinator for Business & Community Partnerships at Capital Region BOCES, highlighted the significant impact of the event on both students and businesses.

“Our career fairs serve as a vital bridge, connecting students with industry leaders and professionals, fostering meaningful relationships that go beyond networking,” she said.