Oswego High School Hosts Trades and Unions Expo to Showcase Career Pathways

Students at Oswego High School explored career opportunities during the Trades and Unions Expo, which connected them with local trades and labor unions and explored pathways for after graduation. 

The program included remarks from Sara Broadwell of the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Robert Corradino, informational sessions with trade representatives, and a library tabling session where students asked about apprenticeships, certifications and job opportunities.

For many students, the experience broadened their understanding of what careers in the trades can offer.

“I am here today to explore my future options for after high school, whether that’s going to college or possibly something outside of college. I am kind of exploring my options so I have a broader sight of what I can actually do,” said Erik, a junior at Oswego High School.

“What excites me about this are all of the different possibilities in trades. I didn’t realize that the trades were such a broad group. It is interesting to learn about how there’s technical positions and plumbers and things like that,” he said.

Participating trades and unions included United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 81; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 43 of Clay; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1249 Linemen of Cicero; International Union of Operating Engineers Local 545; Road Sprinkler Fitters Local 669; Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 633; United Brotherhood of Carpenters and joiners of America Local 277; International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Local 58; and International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 317.

Industry and community partners included the Oswego Department of Public Works, Oswego County Workforce New York, which sponsored the event, CiTi Adult Education and Novelis.

The event was coordinated by Ashli Jaquin, an English teacher at Oswego High School, and Amy Rapin, the school’s work-based learning coordinator. Additional support was provided by the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, the Oswego High School counseling department, Dr. Kilmer and members of the Oswego City School District Board of Education.

By connecting students with professionals in the field, Oswego High School engages and empowers the exploration of skills and opportunities in the trades, helping pave the way for a successful future.