Students Receive Hands-On Training at 27th Annual Rochester Careers in Construction Day

More than 1,000 students and educators from across the Finger Lakes region attended the 27th Annual Rochester Careers in Construction Day last week, at the Monroe County Fleet Center. The event, hosted by Rochester Careers in Construction Inc. (RCCI), featured over 45 employers, construction unions and vendors.

The annual event is designed to introduce high school students to careers in the skilled trades — an alternative for those who may not wish to attend a four-year college or take on the financial burden of higher education. Students received hands-on exposure to specialized trades, apprenticeship programs and career opportunities, including those driven by new digital technologies transforming the construction industry.

As students and school staff entered the Fleet Center, volunteers greeted them with blue cloth bags containing bright yellow safety vests, plastic safety glasses and a ticket for a free doughnut.

Several guest speakers opened the event with words of encouragement.

Joe Morelle Jr., executive director of UNICON Rochester, welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of educating young adults about opportunities in the unionized construction industry.

U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle told the crowd, “People who are in the trade of pipefitting are hard workers. They help build the community. I also obtained that ethic to build. When people are building, they are making life easier for others.”

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello added, “Skilled construction workers are vital to our community. There are programs to help discover pathways to high-paying jobs, without the debt.”

Assemblymember Harry Bronson said workforce development and trade unions “are building the economy for young people so that they can build toward their future.”

Assemblymember Demond Meeks reflected on his own experience, saying, “It’s good for students to take advantage of the trades. I attended Edison Tech High School my freshman year and took a trade class. I also know family and friends who attended trade schools without the cost of going to college. Even general skills like painting and electrical work are significant.”

Assemblymember Jen Lunsford added, “Building construction is vital. Construction is protected in the future.”

City of Rochester Deputy Mayor Michael Burns, representing Mayor Malik Evans, told students, “This annual event has helped many young people who were not previously aware of specialized trades become aware by attending. The information and experience they receive can help build their future.”

Grant Malone, president of the Rochester Building and Construction Trades Council and an Irondequoit Town Board member, said, “This is the time for opportunities for our youth. The need is there, and it’s now.”

After the speeches, the mood turned festive as organizers launched T-shirts into the crowd using T-shirt cannons. Students jumped and cheered as shirts flew through the air, filling the room with laughter.

Educators said the event is invaluable for introducing students to real-world career options.

Rich Schmitt, masonry teacher at Edison Tech, said he brings his students each year “to give them exposure to different opportunities in construction.” One of his students, Joanellys, said she is passionate about pursuing electrical work.

Kurt Krahenbuhl, a math teacher at Padilla High School (formerly Franklin High School), said, “Some students may not be interested in attending college, and I want them to have a backup plan by encouraging them to learn more about trades.” His student, Gergon, said welding and masonry “spark his interest.”

Ed Myers, theatre technology teacher at the School of the Arts, brought his 11th and 12th grade students. “Although the school focuses on the arts, some students are not interested in attending college,” Myers said. “They can gain exposure to trade programs, companies and apprenticeships by attending this event. I’ve been bringing my students here for 15 years.”

Whether students were inside trying hands-on construction demonstrations or outside exploring equipment and talking with tradespeople, the event succeeded in giving young people a firsthand look at the essential careers that help build communities — and their futures.