Signing Day Honors Oswego County Students Advancing Careers in Skilled Trades and Advanced Manufacturing

The Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GOFCC), in partnership with Oswego County Workforce New York (OCWNY), hosted the inaugural Work Ready and Trades Community Signing Day to recognize local students who have chosen to enter the workforce through construction trades and advanced manufacturing industries. 

The signing day was made possible through the vision and leadership of the GOFCC Executive Director Sara Broadwell, whose passion helped bring the first event to life and highlighted the critical role that skilled trades and advanced manufacturing play in building Oswego County’s future workforce. 

“We were proud to bring together education, workforce development and local industry partners for our Work Ready Signing Day, highlighting graduating seniors choosing strong, family-sustaining careers in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing,” said Broadwell. “The collaboration among Oswego County school districts and community stakeholders made the event possible, ensuring students didn’t just receive recognition, but were connected to real pathways, training supports and employers who are ready to hire.” 

Rachel Pierce, Director of Workforce Development at OCWNY, welcomed students, families, educators and partners on the day of the event. In her keynote remarks, Pierce shared OCWNY’s mission to support individuals through training and career development while helping businesses build the skilled workforce needed for a strong and thriving regional economy. 

“Construction trades and advanced manufacturing industries are truly the backbone of our region’s economic success,” said Pierce. “To the students being recognized today, we applaud you for choosing a pathway that builds the foundation for a family-sustaining career.” 

Participating students earned entry into the Oswego County Work Ready Community, supported through ACT WorkKeys assessments. Pierce encouraged students to sign up for WorkKeys assessments through OCWNY. ACT WorkKeys measures workplace readiness by evaluating foundational skills and occupational abilities. Employers and unions across the region recognize the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Credential (NCRC) as a verification of skills during the hiring processes. Dan Petty, Oswego Build Program Manager, provided information and sign-up materials at the event. 

In addition to a path to earning the NCRC, OCWNY shared training opportunities available in the skilled trades, including Oswego Build Pathways to Apprenticeship—a paid pre-apprenticeship training program developed through regional partnerships across Central New York. In partnership with local unions, the hands-on program introduces participants to careers in construction, nuclear, and manufacturing industries while preparing them for union registered apprenticeship opportunities. 

OCWNY announced recruitment is underway for the next cohort beginning in July 2026. 

The event reflects the strength of collaboration among education, workforce development, government, industry and community partners. OCWNY and the GOFCC recognized supporters including: 

• The NYS Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program for continued support expanding apprenticeship opportunities across industries. 
• Local elected officials and higher education leaders for highlighting the connection between workforce development and economic development. 
• Representatives from Oswego County school districts for supporting students pursuing their career goals and passions. 
• Constellation for supporting this event, Oswego Build and the local community. 
• CiTi BOCES, including Superintendent Jeremy Belfield and Administrator of Workforce Development and Community Relations Brian Heffron, for partnership in making the event possible. 
• CenterState CEO for its regional leadership and impact in workforce and economic development, and the team at the GOFCC, including Broadwell, for helping spotlight these critical industries. 
• OCWNY staff for their dedication and commitment to turning ideas into programs and services for community members. 

“Constellation is thrilled to celebrate the Oswego County high school seniors entering the skilled trades and full-time careers,“ said Emily Bitgood, Workforce Development Manager, NY, at Constellation. “At Constellation, our clean energy mission depends on trades workers to maintain our equipment, keep our systems reliable, and help us deliver carbon‑free power to the homes and businesses that rely on us every day. At a time of great urgency for our country and our clean energy future, we commend these students for choosing a family sustaining career path with great opportunity for advancement.” 

“The success of the day reflects a shared commitment to building a work-ready community,” said Broadwell. “From planning to participation, partners came to the table to deliver meaningful outcomes for our students, while strengthening the connections that help our local workforce pipeline grow.” 

The event concluded with thanks to the students and their families for their commitment to careers in essential, opportunity-rich fields. Organizers said the signing day strengthens momentum for developing a work-ready talent pipeline to support Oswego County’s continued growth.