Bennett Knoop pursued an internship that has led to full-time employment with Monumenta Art Conservation and Finishing LLC, in Staatsburg and Milan. The welding student signed with his employer during the Career and Technical Institute’s Career Signing Day in Dutchess BOCES’ Conference Center May 29.
“My best friend’s stepmom works for the company, so I had a connection there. I did an internship and I really liked it,” said the Rhinebeck High School senior.
Knoop is one of 21 CTI students who signed with their employer to start working after high school graduation. This is the third year CTI hosted a signing day for students to sign an agreement with their future employer.
“I just love to see them on the next step of their journey and that’s what today gives for a lot of the students,” said Sharon Myers, one of CTI’s work-based learning coordinators.
Myers added she’s grateful for the partnerships CTI has established with local businesses for internships and employment.
“I hope they see us as their pipeline for their workforce and we thank them because they give the student that ability to see what they can do that they can’t see while they’re here,” she said.
Chris DiFrancesco, production manager at Monumenta Art Conservation and Finishing LLC, said this is the first time the company, with six employees and two owners, has collaborated with CTI’s work-based learning program.
“I haven’t had any negative experience with any of this, so I don’t see why we wouldn’t try it again,” he said.
Knoop is ready to start working with DiFrancesco after he graduates from high school on June 28.
“I’m very excited. There are new things every day. I’ve got to think and be creative,” he said.
DiFrancesco added, “It was pretty clear early on that he had what it takes. He’s got a great attitude about work.”
Kylie Osterhoudt, a cosmetology student at CTI, signed to begin full-time employment at DKA New York in Poughkeepsie where she has worked for over a year.“I’m super excited and eager to learn,” said the Franklin D. Roosevelt High School student. “The people are very helpful and nice. I’ve learned a lot from being there.
Osterhoudt shared about CTI, “It definitely has prepared me to be professional and ready to be in a professional environment.”
Angela Choc, a construction student at CTI, first learned of her future employer, Westchester Modular Homes, when the company visited CTI. The Webutuck High School senior asked her teacher, Thomas Skean, if she could go to work for that company.
“He called for me and recommended me to them,” she said.Choc received a paid internship and is ready to begin her full-time employment with the company after graduating from high school. She received gifts at the signing from Jen Hilton of Westchester Modular Homes.“Things are going well fast,” said Choc. “I wanted to immediately start working after high school, start getting some money and also just use my time wisely.”
Choc added that CTI prepared her well for what’s next and would recommend the trade school to high school students.“It’s given me a goal that I can be motivated to do and accomplish,” she said. “It’s fun. You get to meet a lot of people. You learn so much, and if you don’t want to do that trade in the end, you don’t have to, but at least you have something that can help you in case you want to try that again.”
Below is the list of students who signed with their employers at Career Signing Day. The list includes the name of the student(s), CTI program, high school and company name. 
- Ian Abendschein, HVAC, Red Hook, Kostco Heritage Oil/HOP Energy
- Angela Choc, Construction, Webutuck, Westchester Modular Homes;
- Robert Hansen, Auto, Roy C. Ketcham, Healey Chevy;
- Joseph Eckhard, Small Engine, Arlington, Adams Power Equipment;
- Diego Flores-Reyas, Auto, Red Hook, Ruges Subaru;
- Michael Turner, HVAC, Arlington, Redemption Mechanical;
- Noah Snyder, HVAC, Spackenkill, Folkes Home Services
- Dylan Soons, Construction, Arlington, WFL Builders
- Massimo Seidita, Welding, Arlington, S&O Construction
- Ethan Denu, Liam Brady and Bryan Corado, Electrical, from Red Hook, Pine Plains and John Jay respectively, The Linemen Institute
- Kylie Osterhoudt, Cosmetology, Franklin D. Roosevelt, DKANY Salon
- Bennett Knoop, Welding, Rhinebeck, Monumenta Art Conservation & Finishing LLC
- Connor Watson, HVAC, Webutuck, Claverack Well & Pump Service;
- Ian Kemp, Auto, Red Hook, Ruge’s Ford
- Olivia Peek, Cosmetology, Franklin D. Roosevelt; One on One Salon
- Jasmin Sanchez, Cosmetology, Franklin D. Roosevelt, LUXE Salon & Spa
- Angel Noriega and Jonnathan Guallpa-Chuqui, Security and Law, Spackenkill, Pagones O’Neil Investigation