Nearly 1,800 eighth- and ninth-grade students from school districts throughout the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery region spent the day exploring careers, connecting with local employers and participating in hands-on activities during Career Con at SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College.
Held Thursday, Oct. 1, the interactive event was designed to introduce students to career opportunities available throughout the region and help them begin thinking about their future educational and career pathways. Career Con is a collaborative effort among HFM Career and Technical Education (CTE), SUNY FMCC and the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“Career Con is all about helping students see what’s possible,” said HFM Director of Workforce Development and CTE Michael DiMezza. “By introducing them to local employers and career pathways at an early age, we’re giving them an opportunity to explore their interests, ask questions and begin thinking about the opportunities available to them.”
Approximately 55 businesses and organizations participated in the event, representing each of the 16 nationally recognized career clusters. Students had the opportunity to explore careers in fields including manufacturing, public safety, construction, healthcare, business management and many others through interactive exhibits, demonstrations and conversations with industry professionals.
According to the New York State Education Department, career clusters group occupations that share similar knowledge, skills and interests, helping students better understand the wide range of pathways available to them.
Throughout the gymnasium and outdoor exhibit areas, students engaged in a variety of hands-on activities. Some donned firefighting gear and extinguished a simulated kitchen fire, while others performed CPR on an infant manikin or operated a robotic dog used by the NYS Canal Corporation. Students also had the opportunity to learn basic masonry skills and participate in a variety of interactive demonstrations.
Cooper Kretser, an eighth-grade student from Canajoharie Central School, said the event was important for students to attend.
“I think it’s important because an event like this can help lead students in the right direction so that they can someday have a successful career.”
Donna Covey, a registered nurse with Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, said the students were very engaged throughout the day.
“This is my second or third time doing this and every year I think it gets better and better, and the students have more and more questions.”
Greater Amsterdam School District counselor Maura Friddle said giving students the opportunity to meet local professionals can have a lasting impact.
“Students don’t get this in the classroom every day. Being out and seeing and talking to people that perform the jobs in our region makes a big difference.”
DiMezza said students don’t always realize how many career opportunities exist throughout the region.
“There’s opportunity here in our region. There are jobs here, there’s opportunity here and we want to show our students through Career Con.”
