Local high school students stepped out of the classroom and onto a massive 400-acre construction site this week, getting a firsthand look at high-paying careers in the skilled trades.
Among them were 19 students from the Frontier Central School District, who traveled to the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 17 Training Facility in Lakeview for the 18th Annual Western New York Construction Career Days.
The two-day event, held Sept. 29 and 30, brought together more than 1,000 area juniors and seniors to explore unionized construction careers. For Frontier students, the trip offered a direct bridge between high school electives and lucrative, immediate employment after graduation.
Frontier technology teacher Ryan Schwarzott, who heavily promotes the field trip to students in his construction and technology classes, emphasized that the event targets any junior or senior with an interest in the field. Nineteen Frontier students signed up for the immersive experience.
Additionally, Frontier seniors enrolled in Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) programs had the opportunity to attend the event alongside their specialized instructors.
Once on-site, the students transitioned from spectators to operators. Under the direct supervision of union professionals and retirees, attendees participated in a variety of heavy-duty tasks, including:
Operating heavy machinery such as cranes, excavators and skid steers.
Experiencing virtual reality simulators for precision equipment.
Practicing trade skills like bricklaying and concrete pouring.
Learning safety protocols, including rappelling down scaffolding.
The event, organized by the Buffalo Building & Niagara County Construction Trades Council and IUOE Local 17, serves a dual purpose: filling a critical regional labor shortage and showing young adults a viable alternative to the traditional four-year college path.
"The goal is to expose kids who want to enter the workforce after high school and present them with opportunities to see what they do," Schwarzott said.
He noted that the event provides crucial, practical transparency, teaching students how to apply for apprenticeships and illustrating exactly how much money they can earn right out of high school.
With local unions looking to replenish a rapidly retiring workforce, the hands-on exposure gives Frontier students a distinct head start on securing stable, well-paying careers right in their own backyard.
Abby Hunt was named the school's overall winner at the event after showcasing her skills across multiple trades, including roofing, concrete work, welding, and crafting a whistle out of sheet metal. She also proved her precision behind the controls, operating heavy machinery such as a skid steer, crane and mini excavators.
Check out our Video Here: 🎥 Construction Days