Capital Region BOCES provides a “pipeline” of skilled workers that supports the regional economy. That fact was never more evident than on April 2 when nearly 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, state agencies and manufacturing operations, a wide array of businesses was on hand to engage students in the hiring process.
“We have been involved with the Capital Region BOCES program for many moons, and this is a great turnout [of students], and it continues to grow each year,” said Christian Trujillo, General Manager of New Country Porsche.
Scott Nadeau, an Organizer for Local 7 Plumbers and Steamfitters, was also pleased with the event.
“This is great. BOCES provides us with students who are interested in the trades, who want to learn and work, and who have a basic understanding of the fundamentals of the trades,” he said.
Among the recruiters on hand was Kyle Boyd, a Class of 2022 graduate who now works for Piedmont Airlines.
Boyd’s future took flight because of his enrollment in the Automotive Trades Technology program at Capital Region BOCES. 
“I learned about Piedmont because of Capital Region BOCES. They came to my class and pitched how they will pay for tuition and give you a job. It sounded like a good deal, and it was,” said Boyd, a Bethlehem High School graduate.
Boyd received free entry into a college certification program thanks to the airline and now works as a technical aircraft maintenance technician.
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 students seem really interested and are well prepared when they come to us,” said Tom Clayton, who represented BBL Construction Services at the event.
Students said they appreciated the opportunity on Wednesday to not only seek employment but also explore their options.
“It’s awesome to see all the employers and possibilities we have,” said Lark Abraham, an Automotive Trades student from Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake.
Seamus McWatters, an Automotive Collision Technology junior, is already working on getting employment as a result of the career fair.
“I was really interested in what Finke [Equipment] has to offer. I am sending them an application by the end of the week. Overall, it’s a great opportunity for us,” the South Colonie junior 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.