Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C,I-Ballston) joined Co-chairs Assemblymen Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) and Mike Norris (R,I,C,Ref-Lockport) as well as Assemblymen Dan Stec (R,C,I-Queensbury), Kevin Byrne (R,C,Ref-Mahopac) and Jake Ashby (R,C,I,Ref-Castleton) at a forum last night in Ballston discussing the “middle-skills gap” in the state.

This was the fourth forum held on this important issue in different areas of the state, with two more to go in Long Island and Rochester later this week. Walsh, who is the ranking Minority member of the Assembly Education Committee, was thrilled to host the Capital Region forum and to facilitate discussion with educational, trade and industrial leaders, students and the public concerning the best ways to transition students from high school into the workplace and to ensure they possess the skills required to obtain a career in the trade or field of their choosing.

“We must get the word out to parents and students that vocational and trade schools are a viable option and can lead to lucrative and successful careers in a number of different occupations,” said Walsh. “From P-TECH programs in advanced manufacturing and IT computer networking, early college programs in business entrepreneurship and new media, Career and Technical Educational Programs (CTE) in everything from the construction trades to early childhood education, the offerings are so much more comprehensive and relevant to today’s economy than ever before. The alternative paths to the traditional 4-year college degree are far more numerous than they were when I was going through high school in the 1980s. With the correct tools and guidance, we can help the next generation make informed decisions about their future.”

Many businesses and organizations within the community and greater Capital Region attended the Task Force on Learning for Work forum to provide their input, experience and expertise. Some of the many organizations in attendance included Capital Region and WSWHE BOCES, Southern Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, LifeSong Inc. and Schenectady ARC, Veterans Business Council, representatives of local businesses, including Curtis Lumber, Shultz Construction and Northeast Fire Protection, the Northern Saratoga, Warren & Washington Habitat for Humanity, Associated General Contractors of NYS and others.

“I was particularly impressed with the presentation of Doug Ford, who is the vice president of sales and purchasing at Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa. While some employers complain that they can’t find good workers, especially in the construction trades, Doug and the Saratoga Builders Association have taken the next positive step of reaching out to young people to consider a career in the construction industry through in-school presentations, job site tours and Curtis Lumber store tours,” Walsh said. “Construction jobs in Saratoga County pay $72,000 to $250,000 on average, and with the aging of the workforce, this presents a very viable opportunity for our young people.

“I would like to thank everyone who attended the task force forum in Ballston. We had a really well-rounded group of participants with differing perspectives. It is important to have a dialogue with stakeholders, including education leaders, chambers and business owners, veterans and the differently-abled population, as well as their caregivers. Events such as this one make me very proud to represent so many organizations and individuals who are invested in improving alternative pathways and workforce development. I look forward to seeing their expertise and experience integrated into the Conference’s final report.”

The feedback and first-hand information gathered during the task force forums will be used to better understand the strengths of, and areas in which to improve, current legislation to ensure all students are well-equipped to enter the 21^st Century workforce. At the conclusion of the forums, a report, including a summary of findings and targeted policy solutions, will be crafted and brought to the Legislature.