Cobleskill Teen to Represent Region in Statewide Job Competition

SCHOHARIE – A Cobleskill teen is eager to prove that she has what it takes to be hired for a job – no matter where it is or what the position is.

Olivia VanEvera is competing in the New York State SkillsUSA competition in Syracuse later this month in the job interview event. The Capital Region BOCES junior won the right to represent the region at the statewide competition after beating numerous other competitors during a regional competition and winning a gold medal.

“I can’t wait. I feel it’s a great opportunity to express my interests and skills and really what I like to do towards other people,” said VanEvera, who is enrolled in the Welding and Metal Fabrication program on the Career and Technical Education (CTE) – Schoharie Campus.

VanEvera will compete against dozens of other CTE students during the SkillsUSA state competition that runs from April 22-24 at the New York State Fairgrounds.

Dozens of other Capital Region BOCES students from the Schoharie and Albany campuses will join thousands of their peers from across New York State SkillsUSA in the annual competition. Contests ranging from pastry making to patient care, proper welding techniques, video game design and job interviewing test the workplace skills of the students who, in most instances, already won or medaled in regional competitions. Most winners of the state competitions advance to the national SkillsUSA contest held in Atlanta in June.

VanEvera said she was drawn to the job interview competition by her previous experiences at Cobleskill-Richmondville High School.

“I did a similar competition through Future Farmers of America and I loved that competition. So, when I heard about this competition, I really wanted to take part,” she said.

“I feel it’s a great way to showcase what I have to offer,” VanEvera said.

The rambunctious high school junior is one of about 10 females—among about 100 overall students—enrolled this school year in the Welding and Metal Fabrication program at Capital Region BOCES.

VanEvera was drawn to a career molding metal by her experiences growing up on a farm.

“I have been interested in welding my whole life, I love the concept of it and working with my hands,” she said. “I got a welder for Christmas and I love working on different projects around the farm.”

As to her future goals, VanEvera plans to attend college to obtain an animal sciences degree and then have a mobile welding business, along with owning a cow showing facility.

Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator-Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle praised the young scholar.

“Olivia’s determination and passion to do her very best truly set her apart. She consistently challenges herself to grow, embraces every opportunity to showcase her skills, and approaches each experience with confidence and purpose. We are incredibly proud to see her represent our region at the state level,” she said.

During the two-year Welding and Metal Fabrication program, students such as VanEvera learn American Welding Society standards and earn certifications that prepare them for a career in the welding industry.

For more information on the Welding and Metal Fabrication program, go to https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/courses-programs/welding-metal-fabrication/.

Olivia VanEvera