Dylan Schoonmaker, a senior in the Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES Construction & Building Trades program, is participating in a paid internship through design and manufacturing facility Mack Studios. His hard work and determination in his field have made him stand out, and he has been offered a full-time position after he graduates in June.
Mack Studios, located in Auburn, NY, is an award-winning full-service design company. The organization works with retailers and brand merchandisers to help creative concepts come to life. As a part of his internship, Schoonmaker has worked with a variety of different mediums and tools.
Schoonmaker reflected on his experience in the internship positively, emphasizing the learning benefits of hands-on work: “My participation in the internship program has benefited me by giving me a good, steady place to work and learn new things. It has also helped me prepare for my future after graduation, giving me real life experiences working in the trades and what a full-time job would look and feel like.”
Internships like these are made possible thanks to the successful Work-Based Learning program at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES.
“I would recommend other students to participate in the internship experience because it can open a whole new world of opportunities,” said Schoonmaker. “It has led me to part-time employment and soon full-time employment.”
Rachel Ward, Human Resources Manager at Mack Studios, spoke highly of Schoonmaker’s willingness to learn: “From day one, Dylan has shown a strong commitment to learning and engaging in tasks. His positive attitude and eagerness to learn have been evident in everything he does. Dylan has demonstrated a great work ethic and quickly integrated into our team. He’s always asking thoughtful questions, taking initiative, and producing high-quality work. His ability to quickly pick up new skills and his enthusiasm for the work we do have made him an invaluable asset.”
In Ward’s opinion, the Work-Based Learning program is mutually beneficial for students and businesses.
“I highly encourage other businesses and agencies to offer internship opportunities to BOCES CTE students. They are eager to apply what they’re learning in a real-world setting, and they often bring fresh ideas and perspectives,” she said. “By offering these opportunities, businesses can help shape the future workforce, while also benefiting from the hard work and energy these students bring.”
To learn more about the Work-Based Learning program at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES, please contact Kimberly Stevers at kstevers@cayboces.org or at (315) 253-0361, ext. 5117.
