Windsor students and their families met with representatives from dozens of local companies to explore professional opportunities, ranging from full- and part-time employment to seasonal employment and job shadowing at a career night on December 4. Windsor Central High School and the Greater Binghamton Education Outreach Program, an affiliate organization of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, hosted the event. 

 

“I hope the students see that there is a lot of opportunity in the area. Sometimes the area gets a bad rap about jobs and this helps dispel that,” said Windsor CSD Guidance Counselor Andrea White. “I just spoke with a mom who has two kids in the district and is ready to go back to work. So, this is perfect.”

 

 

 

Dozens of companies from 15 industries were part of the event. Businesses represented included UHS, Lourdes, Visions, Willow Run Foods and the Raymond Corporation.

 

“We want to let students know there are great opportunities at all levels. From temporary work to highly skilled to professional positions, Raymond is a great place to start a career and build on it,” said John Sassani, Human Resources Manager for the Raymond Corporation. 

 

Scott Colton, a 1982 WCHS graduate and President of Carpenter’s Local 227, said he has opportunities for both apprentice positions and skilled carpenters. 

 

“We want to give kids exposure that there is another career path open for them. Plus, if they have a parent who is a carpenter looking to improve

their career, we have options for them,” said Colton.

 

Students not only learned what jobs may be available to them, but also received professional advice.

 

 

 

“I’m interested in either a summer job or internship,” said WCHS freshman Rosemary Airwyke. “The people I spoke to tonight said to continue on my path to the future I want.”

 

“I’m interested in health care and I saw they had an opportunity to learn more,” said WCHS junior Abby Shoga, who visited the Lourdes Hospital table. “My next step is probably job shadowing and getting more experience. They told me about volunteering and the things they have to offer.”

 

This event was run in conjunction with the District’s Future Ready Knights program, which provides students with opportunities to explore seven career fields of interest: Agriculture, Business/Finance, Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Health Care and Trades. 

 

“The goal of our Future Ready Knights program is not only to prepare students for a range of 21st-century careers, but also show them how the opportunity to pursue those careers exist right here in Broome County.  What better way than to show them and their families the jobs available right now in our area,” said Dr. Jason Andrews, Superintendent of the Windsor Central School District. 

 

Through partnerships developed with local employers, students will have the ability to learn about career options, tour local businesses, receive hands-on training and begin to build their own professional network.