Graduates of the "Taste of the Trades" program, offered by Stony Brook University in collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Suffolk County Community College, and the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs, have completed their seven-week summer course. Twenty rising high school seniors from NYSERDA-designated underserved school districts participated in hands-on learning experiences to prepare for careers in fields such as construction and energy transmission.
Nearly 50 family members, school district administrators, and business leaders gathered at the Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) on August 22 to celebrate the graduates. Student groups presented descriptions of their experiences and received diplomas indicating their completion of the program.
“These students may be the next generation of energy infrastructure workforce, perhaps as a few mechanical engineers, maybe some welders, definitely a few future trade electricians and at least one community engagement director for an offshore wind developer,” said Derek O’Connor, workforce development manager for SBU Economic Development. “Throughout the program, they all have been made aware of these endless opportunities to continue learning.”
Students expressed that the program introduced them to careers and facilities that will impact their future. Jannat Majid from Bellport High School remarked on her experience: “The mentors at BNL were life-changing for me. We took tours of labs that people come from all over the world to use... Being able to connect with professors and scientists was so cool because I had no idea about all these options.”
Nicole Alvarado from Bellport High School shared similar sentiments: “The program made me reconsider my future plans... The program really is making me consider different options and trades that I could choose.” Demarco Campbell from William Floyd High School noted his newfound interest in underwater welding due to his participation.
Students were paid $16 per hour during the seven-week training experience, working four hours each day. The curriculum included three key areas: solar power and energy storage at BNL; offshore wind energy and power-grid operations at Stony Brook; and advanced manufacturing techniques at Suffolk County Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing Center. Field trips included visits to The Haugland Group’s headquarters and the National Grid Northport Power Plant.
Judith Brown Clarke, vice president of equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer at Stony Brook University, addressed the graduates: “When you connect yourself to what your future is, you have hope... So make good choices, and surround yourself with the people that are around you right now.”
Materials and services were supported by various organizations including The Haugland Group, New York Power Authority (NYPA), New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Orsted, SBU’s Office of Admissions, Career Center, Center for Integrated Electric Energy Systems among others.
— Beth Squire