Pathways to Apprenticeship Summer Program Helps Students Become Career Ready

“I need your drills out, batteries in, and your focus.”
 
Ebony Farrow led a group of about 17 students in hands-on training, directing them on different types of drill bits and screws and how to use each.
 
As part of the first-ever Career and Technical Education (CTE) collaboration with Syracuse Build’s Pathways to Apprenticeship program, the students were paid for the four-week long training. Students received hands-on construction trade training, as well as exposure to OSHA-10 training, CPR and first aid, and even some of the Multi Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) lessons needed to be ready to apply to Union Trade Apprenticeships!
 
“I’ve wanted to join a carpentry union since I was a kid,” Corcoran ’25 graduate Nah’Geoihn Brunson shared. “I like thinking of an idea, tinkering with some wood, and building it. Carpentry is a dream job for me. It will allow me to do what I love while hustling for a living.”
 
Nah’Geoihn said after he graduates from the Pathways to Apprenticeship program, he hopes to attend college – where he’ll work along the way to keep his skills fresh. Then, he hopes to join a union and begin a fulfilling career.
 
“A lot of people who go into the trades don’t have hands on experience with power tools – or a good work ethic,” he added. “This program is giving me those things!”
 
Representing Corcoran, Henninger, ITC, Nottingham and PSLA at Fowler High School, some of the students – as recent SCSD graduates – have had some exposure to MC3. Those students were offered Professional Development workshops to help get them ready to apply to apprenticeships right away!
 
ITC ’25 graduate Marshon Scott took some Mechanical Engineering courses in high school before realizing he was drawn toward becoming an electrician. He was ultimately inspired through a trip to Micron, where he saw all the electrical components of the facility.
 
“This apprenticeship is giving us tools,” he said. “It’s getting us used to the workplace. This will help me get ahead. I’m already about the join the union – I have my test next week! This is something I can put on my resume, to show that I’m prepared to work as an apprentice.”
 
Daily trainings took place at the Iron Workers building on West Genesee Street, but students also visited the Carpenters Union, Bricklayers Union, and IBEW – where they heard firsthand from union workers about their jobs and the skills needed to succeed in their industry.
 
A common thread from the union workers? The skills needed to be successful include a strong work ethic, showing up on time, and a positive attitude. Other skills can be taught. So, students learned to prioritize keeping busy at work. Do their job, ask for help, ask questions, ask for more work… or sweep the floor if there’s nothing else available!
 
Students focused on finding their “why” – their motivation to pursuing this kind of work. Ultimately, Ms. Farrow hopes their responses can help serve as an “elevator pitch,” highlighting students’ passion in their job interviews.
 
We’re proud of the students who worked hard and completed this groundbreaking pre-apprenticeship program and look forward to following their success!