National Grid's Jake Herr scaled a temporary pole to share information about his job with GLOW attendees. 

At the National Grid-sponsored GLOW With Your Hands, held on Sept. 27, more than 1,000 students from 30 area school districts experienced the region’s largest hands-on career exploration event.

As part of National Grid’s exhibition, lineworkers Dave Carlson and Jake Herr welcomed students onto an auger truck. Once seated, they moved the auger and learned about what it takes to dig holes for new utility poles. Then, at a nearby temporary pole that the company had installed for the event, Carlson and Herr, both from from the company's Batavia overhead line department, provided lessons about tools used to access equipment mounted high on poles. Throughout the day, Carlson and Herr outfitted themselves with safety equipment and scaled the pole to demonstrate the kind of work that can be done in the air or from the ground.

Attendees were mostly from Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming (GLOW) counties. Experiences such as those provided by National Grid and more than 60 companies illustrated careers in skilled trades, plus advanced manufacturing, food and beverage manufacturing, construction and agriculture industries.

The goal of the event is to prepare youth for successful careers by introducing them to professionals and activities tied to in-demand jobs.

Among the students whom Jake Herr welcomed onto the auger truck
was Megan Ehrenburg, an eighth grader from Iroquois Central School District. 

“While the record participation of our students and businesses is welcome, the true success of GLOW With Your Hands is the having a youth arrive at our event and discover a passion for a career that they may have never considered before,” said Jay Lazarony, GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair. “Our exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors and organizers are dedicated to supporting students today, and throughout their path to success.”

Students rotated through experiences that included operating backhoes and excavators, competing in nail driving and construction competitions, and tested their skills on dairy farming and welding simulators.

Sponsoring events such as GLOW With your Hands aligns with National Grid's Project C initiative, which was created to inspire positive change, create positive neighborhood impact, strengthen communities and make a difference for years to come.

“It’s incredible to see so many students that are excited about careers right in their own backyard,” said Chris Suozzi, GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair. “Our companies are growing, and today demonstrates that the national workforce challenge can be solved locally. More than 1,000 students all progressed in their readiness for careers, and are now thinking about the classes, clubs, and training they can take to continue to grow their skills.”

Students were joined by Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon, who encouraged students to pursue the careers they experienced and thanked businesses for providing an engaging and positive experience.

More information about GLOW With Your Hands is available at glowwithyourhands.com

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