New Hampshire Hosts Career Fair to Address Skilled Trades Shortage
CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire is facing a significant shortage of skilled labor, with projections indicating a need for nearly 350 additional electricians and automotive technicians each year. In response, the national nonprofit organization Bring Back the Trades hosted a successful career fair in Concord, drawing hundreds of attendees eager to explore promising opportunities in these vital fields.
Among the notable figures at the event was Mike Rowe, the popular host of "Dirty Jobs," who has become a vocal advocate for skilled trades. Rowe emphasized the growing problem of declining participation in these professions, stating, “We have more people leaving the trades than entering the trades, and that’s bad news.”
The career fair featured 81 businesses eager to recruit talent, with many more expressing interest in participating. John Newman from New Hampshire Land Consultants highlighted the challenges businesses face in finding qualified applicants, underscoring the necessity for increased training initiatives.
Organizers, including Tracey Pelton from PROCON, are committed to maintaining the momentum generated by the fair, aiming to fill the numerous job openings in the skilled trades. “If these kids leave this event with a sense of curiosity, a sense of purpose, and the understanding that mastering a skill in demand is for sale, we win,” Rowe remarked.
In addition to career opportunities, Bring Back the Trades announced a scholarship program offering $110,000 to New Hampshire residents pursuing careers in skilled trades, further demonstrating their commitment to strengthening the workforce.
The fair not only highlighted the pressing need for skilled trades workers but also served as an inspiring platform for the next generation to consider a career in fields that are essential to the state’s economy and infrastructure.
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Photo credit www.wmur.com
