On Wednesday, April 6, the Mount Morris Campus was buzzing with activity.  The annual College and Career Fair was held on-campus after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

Many local and regional employers visited campus and spoke with students and instructors about career opportunities with their respective businesses.

David Brumsted is the Business Development Representative for the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. He shared how events like these give him the chance to meet one-on-one with students.

“I’m a Genesee Valley BOCES graduate and 4^th generation carpenter.  I worked for 35 years and had a great career as a carpenter.  I hope that students realize the many opportunities that a career in the trades can offer,” Brumsted said.

Kyl Romera is a senior from Warsaw Central Schools who is enrolled in the Building Trades Program.  He spoke with Frank Kittlinger of Rochester David-Fetch Corporation. 

“After I graduate from high school in June, I plan on enlisting in the United State Marines to become an engineer. After I complete my enlistment, I hope to join the Reserves and work in construction,” Kyl said.

Like Brumstead, Kittlinger shared that he is also a BOCES graduate.  After high school, he began working for Davis-Fetch Corporation as a carpenter.  “I worked my way through the ranks and now I am the President. I came here today because we are very busy, have plenty of work, and are seeking to hire employees,” Kittlinger said.

Vince McKeown is a Building Trades Instructor at the Mount Morris CTE Center. As McKeown visited with the employers, he explained why this event is important for students.

“Our students get to talk with employers about the different jobs that are available and make the necessary connections to put them on their path to employment,” McKeown said.

Kiara Young is a senior from Keshequa Central Schools and Rose Sabins is a senior from Wayland-Cohocton Central Schools. They are both enrolled in the Animal Science/Agriculture Program. They visited the Air Force/National Guard table and spoke with Sargent Alissa Connolly.  While Kiara and Rose are undecided on their path after graduation, they are both considering the Armed Forces.

“I like the feeling of serving our country,” Rose said.  “I know that this would be hard work but it would be a great experience,” Kiara added.

Sargent Connolly shared with both Rose and Kiara that there are many advantages to enlisting.  “You can attend a trade school or college and join the Air Force/National Guard. “The benefits are great plus if you decide to go onto higher education, the financial assistance is substantial,” she said.

Olie Olson is the Metal Trades Instructor at the Mount Morris CTE Center.  Like McKeown, he visited with representatives to learn what the businesses could offer to students.

“These businesses have so many job openings and are ready to hire our students,” Olson said. “Our CTE programs provide our students with the necessary training that is proven to lead to college and or a career with a well-paying job.”