GREENE — The Youth Apprenticeship Program, coordinated through BOCES, is part of The Raymond Corporation’s commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, helping encourage the future of manufacturing. The program allows junior and senior high school students to explore multiple career options in the material handling industry. It provides a firsthand look at the intricacies of manufacturing, engineering and other careers to help encourage students in their career pursuits.

The Raymond Corporation recognized three high school seniors from Greene High School who spent two years contributing to Raymond’s Youth Apprenticeship Program at its headquarters in Greene, N.Y.in Mat 2016. The apprenticeship program at Raymond allowed the students, Kurt Hendershott, Tyler VanOrden and Taylor Wahlers, to experience what careers are available in the manufacturing industry. Student apprentices shared the projects they participated in and the results that were achieved. They also discussed the skills acquired as a result of the program, highlighting increased knowledge related to areas of engineering, procurement, leasing and employee training.

“Raymond apprentices are challenged to complete multiple assignments and work with different mentors over their two years at Raymond, providing immediate value to the departments they work in, as well as for the corporation,” says Heidi Foster, coordinator of the Youth Apprenticeship Program at Raymond. “Students are prepared and equipped with an impressive skillset to professionally succeed even beyond The Raymond Corporation.”