Bennett Knoop pursued an internship that has led to full-time employment with Monumenta Art Conservation and Finishing LLC, in Staatsburg and Milan. The Rhinebeck High School senior signed with his employer during the Career and Technical Institute’s Career Signing Day in Dutchess BOCES’ Conference Center May 29.
“My best friend’s stepmom works for the company, so I had a connection there. I did an internship and I really liked it,” said the CTI welding student.
Knoop is one of 21 CTI students who signed with their employer to start working after high school graduation. This is the third year CTI hosted a signing day for students to sign an agreement with their future employer.
“I just love to see them on the next step of their journey and that’s what today gives for a lot of the students,” said Sharon Myers, CTI’s work-based learning coordinator.
Myers added she’s grateful for the partnerships CTI has established with local businesses for internships and employment.
“I hope they see us as their pipeline for their workforce and we thank them because they give the student that ability to see what they can do that they can’t see while they’re here,” she said.
Chris DiFrancesco, production manager at Monumenta Art Conservation and Finishing LLC, said this is the first time the company, with six employees and two owners, has collaborated with CTI’s work-based learning program.
“I haven’t had any negative experience with any of this, so I don’t see why we wouldn’t try it again,” he said.
Knoop is ready to start working with DiFrancesco after he graduates from high school on June 28.
“I’m very excited. There are new things every day. I’ve got to think and be creative,” he said.
DiFrancesco added, “It was pretty clear early on that he had what it takes. He’s got a great attitude about work.”