Skilled Trades Fair Returns to
Roy C. Ketcham High School on May 15th

On Thursday, May 15^th, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino’s Skilled Trades Fair, in partnership with the Wappingers Central School District, will return to Roy C. Ketcham High School, 99 Myers Corners Road Wappingers Falls, from 6 to 8 p.m. This FREE event is open to all Dutchess County students and no RSVP is required to attend.

“We want to give every student the chance to explore different career paths,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “Our business and education partners in the skilled trades are ready to help students from across Dutchess County plan for their successful future. We are grateful to the Wappingers Central School District and the participants who consistently show up and join us in supporting Dutchess County’s youth.”

Dr. Dwight Bonk, Wappingers Superintendent of Schools, said, “The District looks forward to hosting this annual event with County Executive Serino as the feedback from our families and businesses has been very positive regarding past Skilled Trade Fairs. Our K-12 educational institutions have a responsibility to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s career opportunities. Skilled Trade Fairs such as these create an awareness and understanding of the types of opportunities that exist, training that is needed and potential opportunities, for both students and families in this growing area of the workforce development structure that currently exists in the Hudson Valley!”

The County Executive’s Skilled Trades Fairs connect hundreds of students and their families with diverse career opportunities in the Hudson Valley in fields such as construction, electrical work, plumbing and more. County Executive Serino co-hosted a similar Skilled Trades Fair with the Arlington Central School District earlier this year, and another is planned for the Hyde Park Central School District later in 2025.

Participating businesses will have a unique opportunity to engage with motivated students and young adults eager to explore careers in their trades. Local businesses and trade organizations interested in showcasing their opportunities at the fair are encouraged to register online at dutchessny.gov/RCKTradesFair or contact the Dutchess County Executive’s Office at 845-486-2000 or CountyExec@dutchessny.gov. There is no fee to participate, however space is limited, and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dutchess BOCES is partnering with County Executive Serino to host a Skilled Trades Fair for high school students and adults on Wednesday, April 30^th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Dutchess BOCES, 5 BOCES Road, Poughkeepsie. Register to participate in this event online at https://forms.gle/XzsTQsPgGvUUGmSw9 or contact Sharon Myers at 845-486-8001 Ext. 4518 or sharon.myers@dcboces.org.