At Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition, we believe that career exploration starts with awareness—and awareness starts with educators and counselors who guide students toward their futures. That’s why we were thrilled to conduct our third annual workshop for School Counselors giving them a firsthand look at career opportunities available in the skilled trades. Thanks to the incredible partnership and dedication of our member organizations, the event was a resounding success. Counselors were given direct access to the types of programs we provide to students, helping them better understand and advocate for trade careers as a viable and rewarding path.
The day kicked off with a dynamic two-hour tour of the Mohawk Harbor Event Center, generously hosted by LeChase Construction. This wasn’t just a tour of a job site—it was an immersive learning experience. Counselors were introduced to NCTWC trades members who shared their stories and explained their critical roles in the project’s development. Thank you to Schenectady Hardware & Electric, Rifenburg Contracting, Carpenters Local 231, KAMCO Supply of New England, Architectural Glass & Metal, and MJ Engineering & Land Surveying for their participation.
The learning didn’t stop at the tour. Counselors rolled up their sleeves and built a dodecahedron and a toolbox lead by Matt Whitbeck of Whitbeck Construction. These hands-on activities allowed participants to feel the tools, materials, and methods that students explore in our programming.
Additionally, Anthony Cerone of Hoosick Valley Contractors delivered a builder presentation highlighting the various trades involved in building a home and the skills required to do the work. The presentation connects what students are learning in school to real life careers.
A Big Thanks also to the New York State Construction Career Association (NYSCCA), who partnered with us on this workshop.
Why This Matters
The goal of this workshop was simple: to allow counselors to experience the world of construction firsthand; ultimately helping more students to consider the trades, not just as a fallback, but as a future career.
