Industry, Workforce Development
Workforce Development Day with BOCES
The foundation of Martin Electric's workforce development efforts is to really try and show up for our future workforce.
This month, we hosted students 35 students from both Capital Region BOCES locations for a workforce development day where they rotated through prefabrication, estimating, and apprenticeship interview preparation.
After a brief introduction from one of our electricians, Cam Barker, and some breakfast, the students rotated through several interactive sessions focused on real-world electrical work.
In our prefabrication shop, students wired Romex into junction boxes with single gang duplex receptacles while learning basic installation techniques, tool safety, and the importance of planning before starting a task. They also got a firsthand look at our electricians building a temporary power skid for a large industrial project currently underway in the area — giving them exposure to the type of fast-track, large-scale work happening right here in the Capital Region.
Students also participated in an apprenticeship interview preparation and Union 101 session where they learned what to expect during the apprenticeship application process and how to make a strong first impression. Topics included the importance of eye contact, a firm handshake, communication skills, and how to confidently answer even the most unexpected interview questions.
During the estimating rotation, students learned how electrical contractors count drawings and build project pricing before work ever reaches the field. They were introduced to markups, competitiveness, and profitability, then challenged to put together their own final project numbers — giving them a chance to see how differently everyone may cost out the same scope of work.
The day wrapped up with a complete company presentation covering Martin Electric’s background, different career path opportunities, and what life in the trade really looks like, and Q&A session where students had the opportunity to ask questions directly to our team about careers in the trades, jobsite experiences, and future opportunities in the industry.
Interested in teaming up for a workforce development event? Please reach out to
