TOWN OF WAPPINGER – Hundreds of people attended the “Skilled Trades Fair” at Roy C. Ketcham High School on Thursday night. The event was sponsored by Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and the Wappingers Central School District.
The event highlighted the need for skilled labor in Dutchess County and 70 booths gave both students and adults to talk to potential employers, many of whom do not require a college degree to be hired. The booths included trade unions such as Ironworkers Local 417 and Local 21 Plumbers, Steamfitters, and HVACR Service Techs along with Dutchess County Government, New York State DOT, Mid-Hudson Construction Management, and Ruge’s Automotive.
Wappingers Central School District Superintendent Dr. Dwight Bonk was the first one to join Serino when she floated the idea of a skilled trades fair in the county. He told the capacity crowd, many from outside of the district, that his district is the largest in Dutchess County and the ninth-largest school district in the state. “I believe that K through 12 education needs to be part of the equation in providing a quality workforce – especially in the skilled trades,” while subtly hinting that high school shop classes are a solid foundation. “We need to get rid of the stigma from 30 or 40 years ago that everybody is college ready – I stand before you to say that is absolutely not the case.”
Serino provided a glimpse into her personal life by telling the audience she did not take a traditional path in her career. The former state senator said, “I have my GED! Albany forbade me to talk about that…shame on them!” Serino, in her fourth month as county executive, noted that she enjoys seeing the response of children when they learn of her GED path. “When you see a kid’s eyes light up as you show them there are other opportunities besides college – it’s very rewarding.”
