Twenty-six students from the Skilled Trades Academy at Pine Bush High School participated in the Youth Workforce Development Program for the Trades, alongside students from John S. Burke Catholic High School and Warwick Valley High School.

 

 

Dale Hammond, board of directors for the Mid-Hudson Northeastern Retail Lumber Association, was tasked with a youth development trades program. His goal is to get young individuals and their parents aware of the fantastic opportunities available in trade fields. Hammond, Assemblyman Brian M. Maher, Pine Bush High School Principal Aaron Hopmayer, and teachers from the Skilled Trades Academy coordinated to bring this opportunity to Pine Bush students.

 

 

Students visited woodworking shops in our area: Messco Building Supply, Commercial Door Shop, Russin Lumber Custom Millwork and Finishing Shop, and Builders First Source Residential Door Shop. They were introduced to the manufacturing process for both commercial and residential doors. They saw how lumber is processed and finished before being distributed to consumers. At each stop, they learned about different jobs and skills essential to the business’s success.

 

 

The day ended at Walden Savings Bank, where students took part in a seminar on personal finance and literacy. Students were surprised with a gift from Walden Savings Bank: if they opened a savings account, the bank would deposit $100.

 

Breakfast and lunch were supplied to our students by local businesses.

In 2023, the Skilled Trades Academy was introduced at Pine Bush High School. Students still require all necessary Regents exams for graduation. However, some of the coursework is different. For example, there will be an emphasis on technical reading/writing that is found in manuals and math electives with instruction tailored toward job-related skills. Students will have opportunities to explore different careers in skilled trades, such as construction, electrical and advanced manufacturing.

 

To learn more about the Skilled Trades Academy at PBHS, contact your high school student’s counselor.