ABC’s New Hampshire/Vermont Chapter recently partnered with the New Hampshire Home Builders Association, ApprenticeshipNH and Manchester Community College to create a registered carpentry apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. The program is desperately needed to help address the shortage of carpenters in the state. 

“We are excited for our consortium model carpentry apprenticeship program because it creates pathways and opportunity for future ABC member employees,” said Josh Reap, president & CEO of ABC’s New Hampshire/Vermont Chapter. “Creation of this program is part of the industry’s solution to the workforce shortage, and ABC is proud to be a program sponsor. Each person who enters the apprenticeship program is on the path to earning a competitive salary, learning new skills and answering the call to help solve the construction industry’s workforce shortage.”

The chapter and NHHBA worked together to develop standards and a curriculum. Apprentices will receive 6,000 hours of on-the-job learning and 455 hours of classroom training at Manchester Community College over three years, all while earning pay. The curriculum will also include modules in plumbing, HVAC, electrical, masonry and estimating.

“Even though they may be getting training in carpentry, we think it’s really important for apprentices to get a full understanding of the trades,” said Jennifer Landon, vice president of education and workforce development at the chapter. “It will allow them to work more collaboratively with other skilled trades professionals.”

Since the program was announced, several other colleges have reached out to get something similar started on their campuses. The chapter hopes to launch the program statewide within the next few years.

For more information on this program, contact Jennifer Landon at [email protected]