Occupational Training and Skilled Trades

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Traditional college is not for everyone. And that's okay, especially because we have a major shortage of qualified tradespeople in the United States. There is a labor gap in plumbers, roofers, carpenters, construction and electricians.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will also be growth in green energy jobs, like solar panel installers and wind turbine technicians.

As a member of the district's Facilities Advisory Committee, I've seen what our neighboring districts offer with regards to trades - whether it's in the culinary arts, industrial arts or horticulture. We should explore bringing some of these to our district and cascade them through the primary grades.

With the right vocational training - which should be paired with business education and financial literacy - students would have the ability to have a solid, well-paying career.

If elected, I would advocate for the following:

• Enhance our partnership with BOCES to offer a variety of training in skilled trades, in addition to bringing this training directly into our schools 
• Offer a "sample" of vocational training for all students; a student may discover a hidden talent they didn't know they had!
• Work with local businesses to offer hands-on internship opportunities