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[PIC] Career & Technical Constuction Trades Student and Intern Mike Hutchinson
Mike Hutchinson went from never using a router and table saw to using one professionally as part of his internship with Westchester Modular Homes.

He learned some of the basics about the tools in the Dutchess BOCES Construction Trades program at the Career and Technical Institute (CTI).

Hutchinson, a John Jay High School senior, is in his second year of the program, but is in his first few weeks of the internship.

“At Westchester Modular I learned how to make laminate countertops,” he said, adding that he has also doing some finish carpentry work like mouldings.

Hutchinson wants to attend college and pursue a career in the heating and air conditioning field. He said the BOCES program helps him as the class learns electrical and plumbing, which has applications in heating and air conditioning.

“It gives you options,” he said.

Jennifer Hilton, Westchester Modular’s human resources manager, said having students from the BOCES program as interns helps the company.

“It means they come to us prepared, willing and able to take on the tasks we have here,” she said. “It’s a win-win situation. They get real work experience and class credit and we are able to train potential employees because some of them come to us after school is finished.”

In fact, Matt Intrieri, a 2019 graduate of CTI’s construction trades program and former intern, was selected as Westchester Modular’s employee of the month for October 2019.  According to Hilton, his supervisor nominated him for his positive attitude and desire to learn new things.  “When he completes his work, he looks for other tasks to do,” said Hilton.  “He also has been learning how to work in departments besides his own.”