March is Women in the Trades Month. Throughout the month, we’re shining a spotlight on women in the trades who are building solid futures through their time at Capital Region BOCES.
Whether it is building trades, automotive trades, welding, or heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R), the role women play in these fields is notable.
Current Career & Technical School students say they enjoy challenging perceptions as they pursue careers in fields where women are traditionally under-represented.
“I like to take things apart and put them back together and figure out how they all work,” said Rachel Rorick, an automotive trades senior from Sharon Springs. ”I knew from an early age that I when I grew up I wanted to do something that was hands-on. It was either computer building or automotive. I chose automotive because I have always been around cars.”
Twins Cora and Isabel Tribunella chose our Building Trades program to pursue careers in construction.
“For me, I think it’s important to get out of your comfort zone and one of the reasons I came here is because it’s not typical. Some people come up to me and say, ’what are you doing there?’ and other people come up and say ‘that’s so cool’,” said Cora.
“I think it’s great we are not going into a field that people might think we should,” added Isabel.
For Darielys Maya who aspires to be a welder, it’s all about finding a career that is right for her.
“The pace at which we work and the people are what make this place great. It’s very fast paced. There is always something to do,” the Guilderland senior said. “There’s nothing bad about having welding skills and it can set you up well in the work community.”
Haley Titus, who also attends our Welding program, agreed.
“There are a lot of different positive opportunities out there for people with these skills,” the Schoharie High School junior said.
Skills For Future Success
Manufacturing seniors Allison Umstadter and Caitlin Atkinson say attending BOCES in a non-traditional career path has prepared them for future success.
“I (already) have a paid internship at Greno Industries making parts for GE and other places… The people there are great and taught me techniques that I can use now and in the future,” said Umstadter, a Scotia-Glenville student who will attend Hudson Valley Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing program in the fall.
Atkinson plans to use the skills learned at BOCES as a foundation for an engineering career.
“I am going to Alfred State in the fall for their manufacturing program,” the Cobleskill-Richmondville student said. “My goal is to learn more about manufacturing and get a better understanding of how everything comes together because I want to go into engineering and I think that will help me.”
More About Women Learning In Our Skilled Trades Programs
Women in the Trades: Darielys Maya’s Future Heats Up
Women in the Trades: Kiersten Acer’s Future is in the Fast Lane
Women in the Trades: Kira St. Andrews is Wired for Success
Women in the Trades: Allison Umstadter Finds Match For Talents In Machining Tech Program
Skilled Trades Employment Options Grow For Women
According to Workwave, women are in demand as an untapped resource for skilled workers in trade jobs, as there is a predicted shortage of the labor force and an anticipated growth in job opportunity. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational employment projection expects such employment to grow by 8.4 million jobs.
Expanded Opportunities for Learning in 2022-23
A new, state-of-the-art campus is slated to open for the start of the 2022-23 school year and will be the home for programs currently located on our Career and Technical School, Albany and Center for Advanced @ Mohonasen campuses.