Workforce Development - Committee Update - Fall 2025

Workforce Development Initiative Wraps Up a Productive Summer

By Larry Major, Chair, Workforce Development Committee

UNH Tech Camp – Each July for the past four years, New Hampshire Good Roads (NHGRA) has teamed up with the University of New Hampshire (UNH) to provide Tech Camp students with hands-on field trips to active bridge construction sites across the state. This year, member companies SPS New England and Evroks Corporation generously welcomed students to tour their ongoing projects, offering a unique glimpse into real world

engineering in action.

At the Evroks project site, Tech Camp students had the opportunity to observe the crew in action as they redecked the NH 16 bridge spanning the Cocheco River in Dover, NH. Adding to the hands-on experience, the quality control team from Redimix Companies led an engaging lesson on evaluating various concrete properties directly at the construction site.

The second stop was at SPS New England’s Hampton Harbor bridge replacement site where Tech Camp students were treated to a detailed project presentation featuring vivid renderings of the future bridge. The experience was both visual and hands-on: campers had the chance to examine rebar cages up close and compare them directly with the corresponding specification pages from the construction plan set, deepening their understanding of how design translates into real-world engineering.

It was an unforgettable day filled with hands-on learning and real-world insight. Campers walked away inspired, having gained a deeper understanding of bridge construction and materials testing — thanks to the generosity and expertise of the professionals who welcomed them on site. I also attended the presentations students made to their parents and educators. It is always so impressive to see how much information and knowledge Tech

Camp imparts. The enthusiasm was contagious — many parents remarked on how inspired the students were after the field trip.

UNH Tech Camps offer dynamic, weeklong educational experiences for students in grades 6 through 12, designed to spark curiosity and build STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) skills. With a wide range of programs—from robotics and rocketry to medical science—there’s something for every budding innovator. The Bridge Tech Camp, tailored specifically for students in grades 8 to 10, provides a hands-on introduction to civil engineering and infrastructure design. To explore all the exciting opportunities available, visit the UNH Tech Camp website.

A big shout out to the Workforce Development Committee members who participated and to SPS New England and Evroks Corporation for hosting the students at two different bridge jobs that highlighted various scales of work and types of construction with different challenges.

New Hampshire Construction Career Days – On September 25 & 26, New Hampshire Good Roads proudly hosted an exhibit at the New Hampshire Construction Career Days in New Boston. The event welcomed over 2,000 high school students from across New Hampshire, each eager to dive into the world of construction.

From operating heavy machinery and testing their welding skills to learning the ropes of tree maintenance, students got a hands-on taste of the diverse and exciting career paths the industry has to offer. Our team was ready and enthusiastic to showcase the wide range of careers available, sparking interest and conversations about the future of infrastructure and skilled trades in New Hampshire.

Trades Day at Delta Dental Stadium – On September 10, New Hampshire Good Roads participated in Trades Day at Delta Dental Stadium, hosted by the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and presented by ATG/Advantage Truck Group. This marked a brand-new

collaboration between New Hampshire Good Roads and the Fisher Cats, and we were thrilled to be part of it. Attendees had the chance to connect with our team, ask questions, and explore the dynamic world of horizontal construction.

And more. . . Our partnership with the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department at the University of New Hampshire continues to grow stronger. Recently, we had a thoughtful and productive meeting with Dr. Erin Bell, P.E., department chair, where we explored new ideas for deepening collaboration between New Hampshire Good Roads and UNH’s civil engineering program. The conversation sparked exciting possibilities, and we’re eager to continue building on this momentum.

And one last thing, a HUGE thank you to all the golfers who participated in our contests at the Equipment Showcase Open! Your generosity has made it possible for the Workforce Development Committee to purchase promotional materials to effectively communicate with the different audiences with which we are engaging.

We will keep working hard on this initiative. Your support clearly indicates how much you value this work. If you are interested in learning more about this effort and staying up to date, please contact me at lmajor@pikeindustries.com or Brenda Clemons at the Good

Roads office at info@nhgoodroads.org. Updates and information on upcoming events can also be found on our website at nhgoodroads.org.