This past summer, seven William Floyd High School students participated in Stony Brook University’s inaugural “A Taste of the Trades” program. The initiative aimed to provide hands-on learning experiences in fields such as construction, clean-energy production, and infrastructure development, while introducing job opportunities supporting sustainability.
The program's curriculum was divided into three key areas. For two weeks, students focused on solar power and energy storage at Brookhaven National Laboratory, gaining insights into technologies essential for sustainable energy.
Following this, they spent another two weeks at Stony Brook University exploring offshore wind energy and power-grid operations. This segment concluded with a NYSERDA-led Offshore Wind Open House and Apprenticeship Event, allowing students to network with potential employers.
In the final part of the program, students visited Suffolk County Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing Center. There, they learned advanced manufacturing techniques including soldering, welding, and CVC machining. Field trips during this period included visits to Haugland Group’s headquarters and the National Grid Northport Power Plant.
Participants were compensated $16 per hour for their involvement. At the end of the summer, a graduation ceremony was held at Stony Brook University’s Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology. Students shared their experiences and received certificates marking their successful completion of the program.
DeMarco Campbell, a junior from William Floyd High School, highlighted his experience: "My favorite part was the hands-on aspects and the opportunity to learn about welding." He expressed an interest in pursuing underwater welding as a future vocation.
William Floyd High School participants included Aiden Burgos, DeMarco Campbell, Malaki Daniels, Ryan Hugo, Anthony McDonald, Jordyn Novotny, and Raymond Ringgold III.
Special acknowledgments were given to partners including Stony Brook University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Suffolk County Community College, Suffolk County Department of Labor Licensing and Consumer Affairs; The Haugland Group LLC; New York Power Authority (NYPA); New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA); Orsted; Whymaker; and National Grid Offshore Wind.
Thanks were also extended to Allison Wiegand (Chairperson Career and Technical Education), Robert Felicetta (Assistant Principal), CTE district site coordinator for William Floyd School District), and Steven Rendino (CTE instructor) for their efforts throughout the summer.