CASSADAGA - Ben Henry, Home Builders Institute (HBI) Electrical Instructor at Cassadaga Job Corps Academy (CJCA), was recently named the Academy's Safety Employee of the Year in recognition of his continued commitment to safety.
Henry has worked at the Academy for seven years in his role as the electrical instructor. A native of Cheektowaga, he lives in Fredonia with his wife and children. He has an Associates in Applied Science Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Erie Community College and is studying for his Bachelor's Degree at Buffalo State College. He is a New York State certified teacher, an OSHA 500 trainer, and is certified by the Residential Construction Academy to teach Residential Electrical and Electrical Principles.
Henry has 25 years of experience in the electrical field including working with IBEW Local 41 in Buffalo where he was the recipient of the Renzi Award as the top overall electrical apprentice. He also worked for Goodyear Dunlop Tire Corporation in Tonawanda in the Electrical Maintenance Department where he worked closely with the Safety Department as the Safety Representative and served on the Emergency Response Team. Henry also serves on the Home Builders Institute Safety Board.
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Ann Anderson, Cassadaga Job Corps Academy Director, presents a plaque to Ben Henry in recognition of being named the Academy’s Safety Employee of the Year.
"Safety is so important in what we do, not only at work but in the home as well. I take great pride in teaching today's youth about safety and how to look at different jobs or situations and see what safety issues need to be addressed before we even think about doing our electrical work. Safety has to come first. It helps our students look at everything they do in life so they can remain safe and provide for the safety of others around them" he said.
Alvin Lotts, Deputy Academy Director and Acting Academy Safety and Security Manager, spoke with pride about Henry's firm commitment to safety throughout his work on campus. "We recently had our U.S. Department of Labor Health and Safety Inspection. After completing his assessment, the inspector had the highest praise for Ben and the exceptional professional safety standards he maintains throughout his shop and with his students. Ben consistently is a powerful role model for his students and other staff in making safety item #1. His shop and work sites on campus are always inspection ready. Ben is highly respected by students as well as his peers," he said.
Henry finds great satisfaction in "working with today's young adults to help them understand the electrical trade and incorporate safe work practices. I enjoy teaching them work ethics and job skills so they can be productive and successful in today's society and work world."
Home Builders Institute (HBI), the workforce development arm of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), is dedicated to the advancement and enrichment of education and training programs serving the needs of the housing industry. For more than 35 years, HBI has trained and placed thousands of youth and adults for careers in residential construction, ensuring that America has a skilled workforce today and for the future. HBI offers a range of education, training, job placement and curriculum development programs. For more information, go to www.hbi.org.
For more information about Cassadaga Job Corps Academy call 595-4237 or visit http://cassadaga.jobcorps.gov.
