Ulster BOCES Director of Adult Education Mary Jalloh and Parent Peer Trainer Carolyn Detweiler joined Ulster County Executive Michael Hein as he proclaimed November 12-18 to be Apprenticeship Week in Ulster County. The announcement was made during a Workforce Development Board Meeting at the Ulster County Office of Employment &Training on Tuesday, November 13.

“Apprenticeships are important in developing a skilled workforce to meet the demand of manufacturers and various trade businesses,” said Hein. “I appreciate the efforts of Ulster BOCES and their Adult Education program, as well as our labor organizations, as they provide these vital opportunities for on-the-job training for those who want to learn a new skill or venture on a new career path. Not only does the apprentice learn specialized skills, they gain the knowledge of various codes, safety rules, regulations, and procedures.”

Ed Whalen, a 2014 Kingston High School graduate who is enrolled in the Ulster BOCES Electrical Apprenticeship program, was also in attendance during the proclamation. Whalen, who has completed nearly all of the 900 hours of instruction and 8,200 hours of on-the-job training over a five-year period, which is required to earn his New York State Journeyman status, said the program made financial sense to him because businesses like Rondout Electric often subsidize the tuition of the Ulster BOCES students they hire. “The Adult Education program is a great way to get started,” said Whalen. “You get the schooling and the knowledge you need to begin your career.” 

Ulster BOCES Adult Education programs provide on-the-job opportunities designed to prepare students for the real-life work environment. Learn more about the Ulster BOCES Adult Career Education Center's continuing education programs or apprenticeship opportunities here.