Skilled Trades Fair Explores Career Opportunities

WAPPINGERS FALLS – Senator Sue Serino recently joined the Wappingers Central School District to host ‘Plan for a Future That Works!’ – a skilled trades fair aimed at giving local students and young adults a first-hand look at different career opportunities available in the trades industry throughout the Hudson Valley. Over 70 businesses, organizations, and unions participated in the event at Roy C. Ketcham High School, and well over two hundred students and residents were in attendance.

“As someone who did not take the traditional path, I was thrilled to be able to partner with the Wappingers Central School District to host our first in-person Skilled Trades Fair to show students there is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach when it comes to planning your future,” said Senator Sue Serino. “We were blown away by the energy, attendance and enthusiasm for this initiative, and I cannot thank the school officials, vendors and attendees enough for helping to make this inaugural event a huge success! I want to send a special thank you to Dr. Bonk, Principal Seipp, and to our partners in the school’s Counseling Office whose support for this unique initiative made all the difference in ensuring it became a reality.”

Dr. Dwight Bonk, Superintendent of Schools for the Wappingers Central School District, said, “The Skilled Trades Fair is an excellent example of how Education and Government must work together on behalf of our constituents. We thank Senator Serino for leading the charge at the state level to promote the excellent opportunities for our students and residents in the skilled trades and were thrilled with the over 70 local trades organizations and businesses who participated in this most beneficial event, and the many who turned out to learn more about the skilled trades!”

Mr. David Seipp, Principal of Roy C. Ketcham High School, said, “It was an honor and privilege to host the Skilled Trades Fair at Roy C. Ketcham High School. I want to thank Senator Sue Serino and Dr. Bonk, our Superintendent of Schools and the WCSD Board of Education for supporting the event. It was great to have so many of our local businesses participate and showcase their companies. We were delighted to see such a large number of students and families from our community in attendance. This Skilled Trades Fair is beyond valuable to our students and families as they have the opportunity to see first-hand the types of careers that are available to them right here in the Hudson Valley. We look forward to the opportunity of hosting another Skilled Trades Fair in the future.”

Industries that were in represented at the event included carpentry, electric, construction, ironworks, entertainment, law enforcement, mechanics, and more. To view a list of those who participated, click here. The Roy C. Ketcham High School Parent Teacher Student Association provided refreshments, and iHeartRadio’s Ryan Dutcher were on hand to provide entertainment and highlight careers in radio.

The ‘Plan for a Future That Works!’ Skilled Trades Fair was originally scheduled to kick-off in April of 2020, but the in-person event had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Senator Serino ultimately took the initiative virtual hosting panel discussions, including one focused on ‘green’ jobs, and highlighting local businesses that employ skilled tradespeople.

Businesses or organizations that are looking to participate in future events should contact Senator Serino’s Hyde Park Office by calling 845-229-0106 or emailing serino@nysenate.gov.