New Hampshire Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in New Hampshire.
We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Average Trade Wages in This State
Why New Hampshire Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
New Hampshire’s trade demand is shaped by steady residential construction, commercial development, manufacturing, and infrastructure maintenance. While the state does not experience large population swings, consistent housing demand, aging infrastructure, and a strong manufacturing base support long-term opportunities for electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, welders, and industrial trades.
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Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Southern New Hampshire: Areas near Manchester, Nashua, and the Massachusetts border see consistent residential and commercial construction.
- Manufacturing corridors: Industrial maintenance, machining, and electrical work remain in demand across legacy manufacturing zones.
- Seasonal climate impact: Cold winters drive steady HVAC, plumbing, and building envelope repair demand.
- Public infrastructure: Ongoing maintenance of roads, schools, and municipal buildings supports skilled construction trades.
Major Employers and Contractors in New Hampshire
Tradespeople in New Hampshire often encounter contractors and employers tied to construction, manufacturing, and institutional facilities:
- DEW Construction — Regional commercial and institutional construction projects across New England.
- Harvey Construction — Commercial, healthcare, and education construction throughout the state.
- BAE Systems (Nashua) — Manufacturing and facility maintenance roles supporting defense and electronics production.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers both union and non-union trade pathways, with union work more common on larger commercial and institutional projects, and non-union routes dominating residential construction and service trades.
Union Apprenticeships in New Hampshire
Union apprenticeship programs are present statewide and frequently tied to commercial, industrial, and public-sector projects.
- IBEW Local 490 — Electrical apprenticeships serving New Hampshire and parts of Maine.
- UA Local 131 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC training covering New Hampshire and Vermont.
- New England Regional Council of Carpenters — Apprenticeship programs supporting commercial and institutional construction.
- SMART Local 17 — Sheet metal and HVAC fabrication apprenticeships serving New England, including New Hampshire.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Non-union pathways are common in residential construction, HVAC service, electrical service work, and smaller commercial projects. Many contractors hire entry-level workers and provide informal or structured on-the-job training.
In New Hampshire, union routes often align with institutional and commercial projects, while non-union paths provide flexibility and faster entry for residential and service-oriented trades.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal apprenticeships tied to commercial and institutional projects | Employer-led training with variable structure |
| Pay Progression | Negotiated wage scales with scheduled increases | Pay growth based on experience and employer policy |
| Benefits | Health and retirement benefits commonly included | Benefits depend on employer and job type |
| Project Types | Hospitals, schools, manufacturing, public works | Residential construction, service work, small commercial jobs |
| Best Fit For | Workers seeking structured training and long-term stability | Workers prioritizing flexibility and faster workforce entry |