Lindenhurst HS Hosts Trades Fair For Neighboring District

From Lindenhurst School: On April 10, Lindenhurst High School hosted the inaugural Trades Fair in conjunction with The Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

In their continual effort to expose students to potential career paths and post secondary opportunities, the district welcomed students in grades 10 through 12 from several neighboring districts including Amityville, Babylon, Bay Shore, Copiague, Deer Park, East and West Islip, Islip, North Babylon and West Babylon. Also in attendance were members of the Lindenhurst UFSD administration and Board of Education, Town of Babylon Supervisor, Rich Schaffer, Deputy Supervisor, Tony Martinez, Councilman, Terry McSweeney and representation from the offices of Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey and Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean- Pierre.

The halls of the high school were lined with approximately 30 tables representing several different skilled trades, as well as, representation from the Lindenhurst Memorial Library and Opportunities Long Island, an agency connecting individuals from underserved areas with union construction positions. “This was a wonderful opportunity for many students and their parents to possibly think differently about the options for their futures,” said Lindenhurst Coordinator of Career and Technical Education, F. Shaun Sudama. “It gave students the chance to discover not only a potential career, but a potential passion.” Attendees moved from table to table, speaking with members of the Trades Council and gaining insight into the educational opportunities available and the steps needed to become union members.

For some this was a next step on their journey toward a skilled trade. Lindenhurst High School 11th grader Brandon Kern said, “I currently attend the district’s BOCES program for electric and construction, so I know I have an interest in it. Being able to come here and speak to a representative from the Local 25 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and ask questions about what my next moves should be, is helpful in bringing me further.”