Keene, N.H. – The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) has been awarded a $428,000 grant to expand registered apprenticeship opportunities across the state, officials announced today. The funding will bolster ApprenticeshipNH, a workforce training program launched in 2017, and aims to address critical labor shortages in key industries.
The grant will support the expansion of apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing,automotive technology,transportation and logistics,details technology,biomedical technology,business and finance,education and child care,health care,and hospitality. As of this year, the western hub of ApprenticeshipNH, encompassing Keene and the Monadnock Region, already supports 66 registered apprenticeship programs and 348 active apprentices.
Bensonwood, a Keene-based timber frame construction company founded by former Keene State College associate professor Emily Benson, recently filled six apprenticeship positions from a pool of 40 applicants. The company’s program offers full-time, paid employment with benefits, alongside community college courses and classes at Keene State College, with grants available to offset tuition costs.
“Seeing the people who come through the interview process…has been really illuminating,” said Benson, Bensonwood’s employee success officer.”There are people who know they want some kind of career but don’t want to pay for a college degree and have to go into debt.”
Hong Duong,a Bensonwood apprentice,chose the program over traditional union apprenticeships available in California,seeking better mentorship and the possibility for long-term growth within a single company. “I’m interested in all aspects of construction, so this is a really nice way to start at the ground level with a company,” she said.
Keene Community Education, a local nonprofit, also offers apprenticeship opportunities. The CCSNH initiative aims to connect individuals with skilled trades and provide a pathway to lasting careers without the burden of extensive student loan debt.
