Workforce Development: Committee Update - Summer 2025

Good Roads = Good Job$

By Larry Major, Chair, Workforce Development Committee

The workforce initiative is a year-round effort! After an active winter and spring, the Workforce Development Committee is now gearing up for summer and fall events. In February, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Technology Transfer Center hosted a remote meeting for the New Hampshire Construction Workforce Partnership. It was a great opportunity to strengthen our relationship with UNH while forging new connections with others in the industry.

I also took part in an American Road & Transportation Builders workforce development meeting, held remotely. During the session, we viewed a presentation by the Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania (CAWP), which highlighted their innovative mobile app, Future Road Builders. The app allows users to earn badges that represent demonstrated skill competencies, pre-approving them for apprenticeship programs that lead to careers in highway construction. To learn more about the program, visit futureroadbuilders.com.

In March and April, committee members participated in career days at Hillsborough-Deering High School in Hillsborough and the Bring Back the Trades Skills Expo at Londonderry High School. Both events showcased a diverse range of career interests, providing an invaluable opportunity for committee members to engage with students and discuss pathways in the highway construction industry.

In May, we attended the ‘Trades Night’ baseball game at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester. Although the game was ultimately rained out, the evening provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen our relationship with the NH Fisher Cats’ management. They’re looking forward to welcoming Good Roads back in September for the rescheduled event.

July will mark the fourth anniversary of our relationship with the UNH Tech Camp. This year the group will visit the project site where the Neil R. Underwood Bridge is being replaced, carrying NH 1A over the Hampton River at the inlet to Hampton Harbor. General contractor SPS New England will provide updates on key aspects of the project, including pier installation and concrete substructure work. Additionally, they generously offered to sponsor a van to transport our group from UNH to the job site after the original funding was cancelled. We extend our gratitude to SPS New England for hosting this group of students eager to explore careers in highway infrastructure construction.

This September, we’re gearing up for New Hampshire Construction Career Days, an event where Good Roads has been an active participant for several years with great success. Thousands of high school students from across the state gather at the New Boston fairgrounds to explore opportunities in construction-related industries. They’ll have hands-on experiences, from operating heavy equipment to trying welding, tree work, and other engaging activities.

As always, we remain committed to connecting with organizations and individuals who share our dedication to promoting careers in the New Hampshire highway construction industry. We take great pride in the meaningful relationships we’ve built so far. If you would like to stay up to date with our work and engage with us to whatever degree you can, please email me at lmajor@pikeindustries.com or the NHGRA office at info@nhgoodroads.org.