
Investing in our future Growing our own



Thursday, April 16, 2026
Town of Big Flats
Municipal Campus
Try Trades is a hands-on, career exploration event focusing on construction and the
trades. The event provides an engaging experience for students and educators to
increase awareness and interest in local, high-growth career opportunities.
Now in its fourth year, Try Trades gathers over 500 students from schools in the
Greater Southern Tier BOCES territory for a day-long event. Students explore
company booths and the heavy equipment area while learning from trade
professionals and trying their hands at the skills of each trade.
Attendance is by invitation only; the event is closed to the public. Please contact the
committee at Trytrades.southern.tier.ny@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
Watch the video below for a glimpse of the 2024 event!
There are many ways to get involved in Try Trades!
For more information, please email us at
Trytrades.southern.tier.ny@gmail.com.
Planning Committee Members
IBEW Local 139
Nick Ahearn, Chair
Career Development Council
Sally Deane-Moshier
Deb Lynch
Robin Ott
Labor Federation, AFL-CIO
Maggie Rex
Town of Big Flats
Shawn Crater
NYS Department of Labor
Lisa Doland, Co-Chair
Chemung Co. Chamber of Commerce
Shabnam Allwood
NYS Department of Labor
Marcel Lamb
Harris Weiss
CSS Workforce NY
Ray Naylor
Rae Ann Widmer-Mason
Steuben County IDA
Jill Staats












