Brindisi Discusses Possibility of New Tech-Based High School Diploma

Utica, NY (WIBX) - Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi wants more students to get involved in manufacturing and technical work after graduating high school.

Brindisi recently wrote a letter to the Chancellor of the State Board of Regents, asking her to consider creating a high school diploma highlighting technical skills.

"Manufacturing jobs sometimes get a bad rap, but certainly they are good paying jobs," Brindisi said. "Right now, we have many college graduates who can't find jobs. If we offer these alternative tracks in high school, then perhaps when they graduate they can enter a field like manufacturing."

His letter was prompted by two tours he had taken at the CTM Corporation in Frankfort and Rome Specialty Company. Officials from both companies said they have been unable to find qualified candidates for open positions.

Brindisi says saying in September alone, about 238,000 jobs went unfilled, with many in the tech and manufacturing fields.