The Red Hook Central School District is partnering with Dutchess County and the Office of state Sen. Michelle Hinchey to host a free informational skilled trades fair at Red Hook High School’s newly renovated gymnasium on Thursday, Oct. 23 from 6-8 p.m.
Representatives from various trades will be on hand to give students and young adults the opportunity to learn more about different career paths available in the Hudson Valley region, ask questions and learn more about future opportunities.
The event is open to the public, including students from surrounding school districts, and no RSVP is required to attend.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Janet Warden said the district is delighted to co-sponsor this initiative, which will undoubtedly benefit our Red Hook community and the broader northern Dutchess County area.
Red Hook last school year held a career exposure fair during the school day, in which representatives of dozens of professions were available to discuss their career paths and their job responsibilities. The skilled trades fair is a separate event, which Dutchess County and Hinchey hosted at two other high schools last spring and fall.
Red Hook has placed an emphasis on providing students opportunities to receive training in trades fields. In addition to more-than-doubling the number of Red Hook students enrolled in Dutchess BOCES’s Career and Technical Institute programs in the last five years, Red Hook High School’s Automotive Technology, Residential Construction, Materials Processing Wood and Materials Processing Metals have all seen significant increases in enrollment in 2025-26. The school this year also launched an Advanced Wood course, in which 16 students are enrolled.
“We are excited to give students the invaluable opportunity to learn more about apprenticeship programs, educational pathways, and potential career opportunities, while also supporting local businesses searching for the next generation of skilled employees,” Warden said. “We encourage everyone to come out and learn more about the opportunities available in the skilled trades."  
Local trade organizations and businesses interested in having a free vendor table at the event, can register online at dutchessny.gov/RHTradesFair.
“There’s no one-size fits all approach when it comes to deciding your future, and ensuring students have the chance to explore all the career options out there remains one of our top priorities,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “The Hudson Valley offers so many unique career opportunities, including those in the trades, and this event aims to equip our students and young adults with information so they can be as prepared as possible.”
For questions or more information, contact the Dutchess County Executive’s Office at 845-486-2000 or CountyExecutive@dutchesssny.gov. Red Hook High School is located at 103 W. Market St.