SENATOR SUE SERINO PRESENTS: ‘PLANNING FOR A FUTURE THAT WORKS’

PUTNAM VALLEY, NY – Looking to spark an interest in the trades among local teens and young adults, Senator Sue Serino today is launching a unique virtual initiative to highlight the various opportunities a career in the trades has to offer. In the coming weeks, Serino will release a series of videos highlighting local businesses and organizations, their founders, and employees, to help students learn more about the many unique ways they can get involved in the trades here in the Hudson Valley. 

Serino launched the initiative at Tompkins Excavating in Putnam Valley, where excavating is a family affair that spans two generations. The first videos in the series will feature interviews with Stacey Tompkins, President of Tompkins Excavating, her son and Operations Manager & Chief Estimator Kevin Tompkins, and Office Assistant Jessica Olenik. 

“I didn’t take the ‘traditional’ path when it came to establishing my own career,” said Senator Serino. “The many experiences I’ve had along the way have shaped me into the person I am today, and I want young people here in our community to know there isn’t a ‘one-size fits all approach’ to planning your future. We’re seeing a huge need in the Hudson Valley for skilled tradespeople. A career in the trades offers amazing opportunities and room to grow, and I want to make sure that our local students know what a promising option these careers can be for so many.” 

In March, Senator Serino had announced a partnership with the Wappingers Central School District to host a ‘Skilled Trades Fair’ aimed at providing students with a more in-depth look at different training and career opportunities. The event received a tremendous response from the local community, but unfortunately had to be postponed due to COVID-19. The idea for a virtual spin-off of the event came when residents continued to express interest in rescheduling the spring event. The video series will feature area businesses and organizations who were originally scheduled to participate in the April event. 

To view the launch video, please click here. Future interview videos will also be shared on www.SerinoStudentCorner.com and on serino.nysenate.gov. 

Senator Serino is also looking for additional local businesses and trades organizations to highlight as part of this initiative. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in being a part of the virtual initiative by providing an interview on your own work in the trades, please email serino@nysenate.gov or call the Hyde Park Office at 845-229-0106. 

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