First Graduating Class of Erie 1 BOCES Parks Maintenance Program Celebrated in Erie County

Posted On Tuesday October 29, 2024
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Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera congratulating a graduate.

Buffalo, NY – Erie County proudly announced the graduation of its inaugural Erie Corps Parks Maintenance program, aimed at addressing the growing need for skilled parks maintenance workers in Erie County.

The program was developed in collaboration with Erie 1 BOCES Workforce Development, Erie County, and the Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Investment Board (WIB), reflecting a community commitment to workforce development and sustainable park maintenance.

“Erie 1 BOCES did the training at locations so the individuals could learn essential skills that will help them in the field,” said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz during a press conference on Monday.

"Working with our partners, Erie 1 BOCES customized a hands-on, pre-employment program tailored specifically for young adults aged 18-22," said Christa McHale, Director of Educational Partnerships and Workforce Development at Erie 1 BOCES. "These students didn’t just sit in a classroom—they got their hands dirty, learning real-world skills by working in parks throughout Erie County.

The program recently graduated 11 students who have already been offered paid internships at local parks throughout Erie County.

With the successful completion of this program, the graduates are now equipped to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of Erie County's green spaces.

“They took the time and said I want to be part of this and I want to thank them for doing it because they are going to create a better community across all of Erie County and the city of Buffalo as well,” said Poloncarz.

One graduate, Chauncey Cromer told WKBW that, “this (opportunity) means a lot honestly.”