Skilled Labor Roundtable Features Queensborough Alumnus

Published: June 25, 2012

Dane Burkett, ’12, recipient of the 2011 Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® Scholarship award, was one of five scholarship recipients who worked with Grainger to promote awareness of the scholarship program and the importance of technical education.  At the 2012 Grainger Trade Show in Orlando, students shared their perspectives on what they are encountering as they enter the job market.

 “There are jobs out there—areas where we can move forward to gain a foothold in the industry,” said Dane during the skilled labor roundtable discussion. “I believe exchanging our ideas with one another can make a difference.”

 Dane Burkett, ’12, is a veteran and majored in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology at Queensborough Community College. He received the 2011 New York State Engineering Technology Award and the 2011 Joseph B. Aidala Award for his invention of the Life Guard Alarm Unit vest, designed to warn Navy personnel on aircraft carriers of hazardous working conditions. He presented his project, Designing, Breadboarding, Testing, Troubleshooting and Constructing a Life Guard Alarm Unit at the 2011 QCC Honors Conference, Columbia Science Fair, City College Einstein Conference and the CSTEP State Conference, where he won first place.

 “Jobs in the skilled trades are vital to the economic health of local communities. These jobs, and the people who do them, are the lifeblood of American industry. The Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® scholarship program empowers future trades people to complete their education and helps them start their careers,” said James T. Ryan, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Grainger.

 One of the exhibits at the trade show included a “Grainger Store” featuring Grainger branded merchandise for sale. All proceeds from the store were donated to the community college foundations represented by the students. Grainger awarded $9,000 to the Queensborough Community College Fund, Inc. for students pursuing degrees in the industrial trades.