We all have seen on the news where a high school student is recognized for "signing on" to a local college to play sports, correct? What about the students who want to enter the workforce after graduation? Orleans/Niagara BOCES believes they should be recognized too. Congratulations go to: Riley Bloomingdale (Royalton-Hartland), Joe Brueckner (Medina), Sam Brunning (Royalton-Hartland), Trent Dickinson (Barker), Dakota Gilhousen (Lockport), Andy Kimball (Newfane), Dave Merlin (Barker), Jacob Rissew (Medina), Robert Shaughnessy (Newfane) and Cal Stevenson (Lockport).
Recently Bill Rakonczay’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering students participated in the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship’s “Signing Day Event”. Held at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center on March 5th, the seniors who are participating in the paid co-op program were celebrated for their achievements in the workforce. Company representatives, where the students have been working, were on hand for the signing event where students signed a commitment to work for them after graduation.
The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program offers an unprecedented solution to our region’s skilled trades shortage in advanced manufacturing. It is a one-of-a-kind career exploration program where students are connected to advanced manufacturing companies through Matching Day events that lead to job shadows and paid co-ops. Basically, our students make money as they continue their learning. Students can also receive college credit at Monroe Community College at no cost. “I am so proud of my students,” says Mr. Rakonczay. “This is a great program that gives my students on-the-job training that prepares them for the workplace and college. I want to thank the companies that participate such as: Amada Tool America Inc., Custom Manufacturing and Design, J.W. Burg Machine & Tool, Modern-Tec Manufacturing Inc., Moley Magnetics Inc., Nuclear Alloys, Performance Manufacturing Inc. and Pivot Precision. I also want to thank the parents and guardians who support us. Without all of them, none of this would be possible.”
After the event, each participating students received a swag bag, a caliper and micrometer set. A huge thank you to the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program for partnering with us to ensure the students’ success and offering them this opportunity!