Ellen Ditonto, Jamestown BPU business development coordinator, is pictured speaking recently to the Fundamental Building Systems and Welding Programs at Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES.

OLEAN – Ellen Ditonto, Jamestown BPU business development coordinator, recently appeared as a guest speaker in the Fundamental Building Systems and Welding Programs at the Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center.

Ditonto focused her presentation on opportunities in the building construction trades, including electrical utility work and on the hard and soft skills employers seek in prospective employees. The group of students consists entirely of seniors enrolled in the two programs.

“These students are preparing to graduate and are looking for apprenticeships and other entry-level positions in a variety of building trades,” Ditonto said. “It is an impressive group of students who have excelled under the leadership of CTE Instructor Scott Hillman.”

Ditonto has been part of workforce development initiatives, including the development of the “Smart Buildings” certificate program through Jamestown Community College’s Workforce Development Program. Chris Gagliardo, CA BOCES Assistant Superintendent for Career and Technical Education, said industry-specific speakers are important to overall student development.

“We are grateful to organizations like the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities for taking the time to discuss the relevant skills and training that are useful in today’s workplace,” said Gagliardo. “It offers another perspective outside of their classroom training to prepare them for the next steps in their education and career.”