CONCORD, NH – Skilled trade workers are in high demand across the country and in New Hampshire, especially with the approach of what many are calling the “silver tsunami” – the trend of skilled trade workers nearing retirement age leaving the workforce on top of labor officials’ projection that the state needs more than 350 electricians and automotive technicians annually.
Despite the growing need for skilled trade workers, in mid-November, more than 4,000 students and individuals attended the “NH Bringing Back The Trades” event, The Tradeapalooza Career Fair. The career fair was hosted by local New Hampshire organizations, Bring Back the Trades, Grappone Automotive, PROCON and the Community College System of New Hampshire.
The sold-out event, held at NHTI, Concord’s Community College, hosted more than 80 organizations within the skilled trades for students and individuals to connect with and learn about internships and apprenticeships available in the field. Attendees could also speak with professionals who built successful careers in the trades, including a presentation from Mike Rowe, known for his TV series Dirty Jobs.
$110,000 in scholarship funds were awarded to students, underscoring New Hampshire’s dedication to supporting the future generation of skilled workers and addressing critical shortages in fields such as construction, plumbing, automotive, and manufacturing.
Amanda Grappone of Grappone Mazda had the honor of awarding students their scholarships, including Gianni Ciotti, second tear electrical apprentice for AES Electrical Contractors.
“Grappone Automotive has served the Concord community for 100 years and without qualified, passionate trade workers – especially in the automotive space – we wouldn’t be standing as proudly as we are today,” said Grappone. “Trade shortages lead to project delays, increased costs and difficulty finding qualified employees, so supporting future generations of skilled trade workers is an honor.”
Founded in 1924, Grappone Automotive is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year, which is also the year the Ford Model TT pickup truck was available with a factory produced body, highlighting the long history of the auto industry and its reliance on skilled trades.
“Being at the Tradeapalooza event, seeing all of the dedicated middle schoolers and high schoolers trying to figure out the next step for them to make an impact in their life means a lot to me,” said Ciotti. “Winning this scholarship will make the next steps in my career easier, without bearing the stress of spending my hard-earned money on tools, and to save up to bigger goals I have for myself in the future. I couldn’t thank Bring back the Trades enough!”
If you, like Ciotti and the 4,000 others who attended the Tradeapalooza Career Fair, are passionate about trade or automotive technician careers, the Mazda Automotive Student Training program provides opportunities to gain thorough foundational skills while providing career paths with Mazda dealers, like Grappone Mazda.