NH Next 2026

NATIONAL GUARD * GO FURTHER WITH A COLLEGE DEGREE

STATE TU ITION WAIVER

Members of the New Hampshire Army National Guard can attend all NH state colleges and universities 100% TUITION FREE. The tuition waiver applies to:

-University of New Hampshire

-Plymouth State University

-Keene State College

-UNH College of Professional Studies

- New Hampshire Technical Institute

-All NH Community Colleges

MONTGOMERY GI BILL

Under the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR), you receive a monthly payment toward the cost of attending school. Current payment amounts are available at ww w.gibill.va.gov.

In addition to the MGIB-SR, you may also qualify for the MGIB "Kicker" by enlisting in certain jobs with a six year enlistment. This program provides an additional $200 or $350 a month toward the cost of going to school

STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM

The Student Loan Repayment Program may pay up to $50,000 for certain jobs with a six year enlistment. To qualify, applicants must have eligible student loans at the time of enlistment.

VICE PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Ernesto Burden x5117 ernestob@yankeepub.com

EDITOR

Mike Cote x5141 mikecote@yankeepub.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Emily Heidt x5115 eheidt@nhmagazine.com

MANAGING EDITOR, CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS

Sarah Pearson x5128 sarahekp@yankeepub.com

CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR

Jodie Hall x5122 jodieh@yankeepub.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nicole Huot x5116 nicoleh@yankeepub.com

ADVERTISING & EVENTS SALES DIRECTOR

Jenna Pelech x5154 jennap@yankeepub.com

SALES EXECUTIVE

Connie McCullion ConnieMC@yankeepub.com

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Ren Chase x5114 renc@yankeepub.com

SALES & EVENTS COORDINATOR

Paul Milone x5121 paulm@yankeepub.com NEW HAMPSHIRE GROU P An Employee-Owned Company

250 Commercial Street, Suite 4014 Manchester, NH 03101 (603) 624-1442, fax (603) 624-1310 nhnext.com

NH Next is published by Yankee Publishing, Inc., 250 Commercial Street, Suite 4014, Manchester, NH 03101, (603) 624-1442. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is not allowed. Articles and advertisements in NH Next do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by NH Next does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Please forward any inquiries or correspondence to 250 Commercial St., Suite 4014, Manchester, NH 03101. For editorial information, please call (603) 624-1442, x5128. To find out how to advertise in the 2026-2027 edition of NH Next, or on the NH Next website, nhnext.com, call (603) 624-1442, x5154.

A Writer’s Handbook for What’s Next

We have six kids in our household. Well, some of them may have outgrown the label “kid.” Perhaps better to say progeny. But either way, from the teens to the twenty-somethings, they’re all trying to figure out the answer to the question, “What’s next?”

For that matter, we 50-somethings are forever trying to figure it out as well. It’s the human condition. Nothing stays fixed. And just like a sailor must keep adjusting a boat’s rigging and course to find the wind and move ahead, so too must people keep adjusting, tacking one way or another, as the world changes around us. That constant adjustment is another way of describing growth. It can seem daunting, especially in times that seem to be changing as fast as ours are. I want to reassure you, though, that even in the midst of great change, there are fundamentals that always remain the same.

The most important one is you and the story you are living.

The first piece in this issue of NH Next talks about the next chapter in your story. I love this metaphor because it draws out an important truth. When we look at our lives in context, which is what stories help us do, we see not only the challenges but also the opportunities. Stories help us understand not just what is happening, but what it means. They transform setbacks and failures into essential pieces of the plot that lead to the next great moment of joy. They remind us that we’re part of something huge and ever unfolding.

Poet Muriel Rukeyser wrote, “The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.”

This is a beautiful idea because it recognizes how each of us has the power and responsibility to shape the story of our lives, not just by how we live and what we do, but by how we fit those things into the story we’re telling. Remember how I mentioned transforming setbacks and failures into essential plot points?

That’s not just feel-good psychobabble. That’s the practical heart of all success.

Now, I think most writers would agree that the more you know about the world you’re populating as you work, the more options you have for your characters to encounter, the richer and easier the writing becomes. When I was young, I bought writer’s handbooks for everything from murder mysteries to life in the Middle Ages. Throughout this issue of NH Next, you’ll encounter fascinating career and educational opportunities as well as detailed, practical advice. Think of it as your own writer’s handbook as you craft the amazing next chapter of your life.

— ERNESTO BURDEN VP AND PUBLISHER YANKEE PUBLISHING NEW HAMPSHIRE GROUP

TURNING TO THE NEXT CHAPTER OF YOUR STORY

Up until this point, your life as a student has been a fairly prescriptive routine. While you may have had choices in some classes and extracurriculars, many of you have followed a career of advancing lessons from elementary to middle to high school.

B ut as you near the completion of high school, more options open up to you. More opportunities to decide for yourself and to take hold of the pen that writes your story.

By Sarah Pearson

Here is your chance to take what you’ve learned about the world and yourself over the past 18 years or so, considering your skills, your interests and your values, and pick a path for your future. You’ll have to balance your dreams with present realities such as your budget, time and social support.

NH Next is here to showcase some paths you may want to consider as you turn the page on high school.

E NTERING THE WORKFORCE

Whether you’re looking for a short break from academia or you’d rather never step into a classroom again, entering the workforce might be the path for you. This route can be great for those who want to earn an income right away — avoiding student debt — and start gaining practical experience in their field of interest.

Among the careers you can pursue immediately after graduation are administrative assistant, delivery driver or sales representative. Job openings in these areas are expected to remain stable or grow in the immediate future. Salaries typically range from $35,000 to $60,000 annually, and there are opportunities for advancement, including management or logistics departments, though that may be contingent on continuing career education.

S ERVICE PROGRAMS

Another option after high school is joining a military or civilian service program.

The U.S. military accepts qualified individuals (must have a high school diploma or GED and meet a minimum score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery exam) in six branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Space Force. There are vast job roles in each of these branches to meet a variety of interests. Benefits beyond pay include educational reimbursement, housing or room and board stipends, health care and retirement plans.

For those who are interested in national service, but don’t want to join the military or don’t meet some of those requirements, there are youth programs through AmeriCorps. Each year, some 200,000 young adults participate in projects that aim to address disaster relief, education, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, public health and veteran services. Members receive a living stipend for the duration of their service, gain professional experience and qualify for education awards.

CAREER-SPECIFIC TRAINING PROGRAMS

If you have a specific career in mind, you may be able to enter a job training program tailored to that. Skilled trades often include automotive fabrication, construction, electrical, HVAC or precision machining. These are in-demand jobs that often offer training as part of paid employment. Some programs are offered through a community college, a standalone training certification, or a union apprenticeship. The core of all the programs, however, focus on hands-on training from industry professionals.

These programs are generally less costly and take less time to complete than a college degree program. Oftentimes you can complete paid work in the field under the supervision of a licensed professional as you complete your training. Many trades are in high demand and offer strong job security and earning potential.

Job openings for tradespeople like electricians, plumbers or HVAC technicians generally have a starting salary from between $37,000 to $55,000 annually. Becoming a master, pursuing a specialization, or opening your own business offers opportunities for advancement and raises.

C OLLEGE DEGREE TRACK

College can provide credentials for a variety of academic or specialized careers. Having a degree is increasingly sought after for those seeking to advance to management or leadership roles.

While college degrees do require significant time and financial investments, data from the Social Security Administration shows that college degree holders still out-earn their peers whose highest level of education is high school. Students can reduce the cost of college education by completing some coursework through dual-enrollment classes while still in high school or by completing general education courses at a community college before transferring to a four-year school to complete a bachelor’s degree program.

High-demand jobs in healthcare and emergency services generally have high career satisfaction as well as higher salaries. The average salary for these careers can range from $70,000 to more than $100,000.

All of these careers have options for specialization that could connect you with an area of personal interest. For example, software developers might specialize in artificial intelligence or mobile applications. Bachelor’s-degreeholding healthcare workers might be registered nurses for a particular hospital department, like pediatrics or emergency medicine, or hospice workers and home health caregivers. Mechanical engineers can work in fields as varied as automotive and aerospace to industrial manufacturing machines.

As you approach high school graduation, you’re launching into your next chapter, but not your last. Don’t be surprised if it takes a few chapters of exploration to find your happily ever after.

FASTEST GROWING OCCUPATION S

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (forecast) https://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm

JOBS WITH HIGH CAREER SATISFACTION

OCCUPATION

Real Estate Agent

Carpenter

Software Developer

Designer

Fitness Instructor

Firefighter

Secretary

Computer Support

Logistics Manager

Physician

Source: Glassdoor and Bureau of Labor Statistics

to helping each and every student achieve their goals, no matter where they are on their personal journeys.

The First Next of Many.

Wfacilities. college experience.”

The First Next of Many.

Find your future at New Hampshire community colleges.

The first next of many Find your future at New Hampshire community colleges

The First Next of Many.

You may be wondering if you can afford college, or if you can fit it into your busy schedule. The answer to both questions is a resounding yes. In addition to offering the lowest college tuition in New Hampshire, we also provide scholarships, grants, work study and other forms of aid. Flexible class schedules and a unique mix of on campus and online learning opportunities are designed to fit your life, not the other way around. And with seven colleges and 11 locations across the state, you’re never far from the classroom.

One of the best ways to get a true come and experience an Open of our seven NH community opportunity to tour our campuses, programs and explore financial you that you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

hen you “Choose Community” you’re taking the next step in the rest of your life. Where that path leads is entirely up to you, but one thing is for certain: community college is a great place to start.

When you “Choose Community” you’re taking the next step in the rest of your life. Where that path leads is entirely up to you, but one thing is for certain: community college is a great place to start.

Many of our students come here in search of a yet-to-be-found passion. Others see us as a smart and economical steppingstone to a four-year college degree. While others still, view the community college experience as their route to an in-demand career. All of these approaches are not only welcomed, but encouraged by advisors, faculty and staff who are dedicated to helping each and every student achieve their goals, no matter where they are on their personal journeys.

When you “Choose Community,” you’re taking the next step in the rest of your life. Where that path leads is entirely up to you, but one thing is for certain: Community college is a great place to start.

Speaking of classrooms, New Hampshire community colleges offer more than 200 degree and certificate programs across a range of academic focus areas. This includes everything from Arts & Sciences, to Business, Industry, Transportation and more. If it’s a promising and

meaningful career path, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find a program for it here.

students come here in search of a yet-to-be-found passion. a smart and economical steppingstone to a four-year While others still, view the community college experience in-demand career. All of these approaches are not only encouraged by advisors, faculty and staff who are dedicated and every student achieve their goals, no matter where personal journeys.

wondering if you can afford college, or if you can fit it into schedule. The answer to both questions is a resounding yes. offering the lowest college tuition in New Hampshire, scholarships, grants, work study and other forms of aid. schedules and a unique mix of on campus and online learning designed to fit your life, not the other way around. And colleges and 11 locations across the state, you’re never far classroom.

Find your future at New Hampshire community colleges. hen you “Choose Community” you’re taking the next step in the rest of your life. Where that path leads is entirely up to you, but one thing is for certain: community college is a great place to start.

We really do aim to create a true and staff, so that each of us What will your community ChooseCommunity.com for a glimpse

housing options, and all feature cutting-edge facilities. As our students say, “It’s the real college experience.”

meaningful career path, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find a program for it here.

schedule. The answer to both questions is a resounding yes. In addition to offering the lowest college tuition in New Hampshire, we also provide scholarships, grants, work study and other forms of aid. Flexible class schedules and a unique mix of on-campus and online learning opportunities are designed to fit your life, not the other way around. And with seven colleges and 10 locations across the state, you’re never far from the classroom.

You’ll also find a world of opportunity beyond the books, in the form of campus clubs and organizations. Several of our colleges offer athletic teams. Some of our locations have housing options. And all feature cutting-edge facilities. As our students say, “It’s the real college experience.”

The team at New Hampshire Community Colleges ChooseCommunity.com

meaningful career path, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find a program for it here.

Many of our students come here in search of a yet-to-be-found passion. Others see us as a smart and economical steppingstone to a four-year college degree, while others view the community college experience as their route to an in-demand career. All of these approaches are not only welcomed but encouraged by advisors, faculty and staff who are dedicated to helping each and every student achieve their goals, no matter where they are on their personal journeys.

You may be wondering if you can afford college, or if you can fit it into your busy

classrooms, New Hampshire community colleges offer degree and certificate programs across a range of areas. This includes everything from Arts & Sciences, Industry, Transportation and more. If it’s a promising and

Speaking of classrooms, New Hampshire community colleges offer more than 200 degree and certificate programs across a range of academic focus areas. This includes everything from arts and sciences, to business, industry, transportation and more. If it’s a promising and meaningful career path, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find a program for it here.

One of the best ways to get a true feel for all that we have to offer is to come and experience an Open House or Express Admission Day at any of our seven NH community colleges. That’s where you’ll find the opportunity to tour our campuses, speak with advisors, learn about our programs and explore financial aid opportunities. Trust us when we tell you that you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

We really do aim to create a true community for our students, faculty and staff, so that each of us can have a truly rewarding experience. What will your community college experience look like? Visit ChooseCommunity.com for a glimpse of all the possibilities. >>>

You’ll also find a world of opportunity beyond the books in the form of campus clubs and organizations. Several of our colleges offer athletic teams. Some of our locations have

The team at New Hampshire Community Colleges ChooseCommunity.com

CHOOSE COMMUNITY

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY AT ,,,.,,

�♦ COMMUNITY COLLEGE system of New Hampshire

For many high school graduates , it can be difficult to decide on your next step. There are so many factors to consider, along with loads of information to gather and evaluate. That's why creating a list of "must-haves" is often a great place to start. To help in that exercise (we're always here to help!), we've put together a few lists of our own to make the decision process just a little bit easier.

COLLEGE SCORECARD

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ACA DEMICS

Programs designed to prepare you for today's job market? Small classes with real learning? Exceptional faculty who make your success the priority? Check, check and check.

LOCATION

A high-quality education close to home? With seven community colleges and 10 locations across

the Granite State, New Hampshire Community Colleges certainly check this box.

lJlj VALUE

The lowest college tuition in New Hampshire + scholarship assistance + financial aid = unbeatable value.

cilNTERESTING COURSES/PROGRA MS

Over 200 degree and certificate programs in high-demand fields. Now that certainly sounds interesting.

STUDENT LIFE

Dozens of student clubs and organizations, health & wellness programs, Student Government, athletic ,-/ opportunities and countless student services create a rich experience well beyond the classroom.

lJlJ A WARM WELCOME FOR ALL

All of our colleges are 100% committed to creating a welcoming environment and providing opportunities for our students.

PROGRAM AREAS

ARTS, HUMANITIES, COMMUNICATION AND DESIGN

BUSINESS

HEALTH SCIENCES AND SERVICES

HOSPITALITY AND CULINARY

INDUSTRY AND TRANSPORTATION

SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

STEM AND ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

For our full list of over 200 degree and certificate programs, visit ChooseCommunity.com/programs-at-a-glance

�STUDENT FAVORITES

Internships

Student Senate

Sports

Service Trips

Cultural Activities

Honor Society

Changes come to some federal college financial aid programs

By Department of Federal Student Aid

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law, resulting in changes to federal student aid programs. Some of these changes went into effect immediately, while others will go into effect next year and beyond.

RECENT UPDATES

Financial assets that are counted when students and parents fill out the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form will now better reflect a family’s financial need. This includes forms submitted during the FAFSA beta events that began Aug. 5, 2025.

OBBBA includes exclusions for small businesses, family farms, and commercial fishing businesses.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What changes were made to the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Plan?

Previously, borrowers were required to have partial financial hardship and to not have certain types of ineligible loans in order to enter an IBR Plan. With the passage of OBBBA, the IBR Plan now has updated eligibility criteria that allow the following types of borrowers to enroll:

Borrowers who don’t have partial financial hardship.

Parent PLUS borrowers who have consolidated their parent PLUS loans into Direct Consolidation Loans and who have enrolled in the IncomeContingent Repayment (ICR) Plan immediately before enrolling in the IBR Plan

(Note: To be considered enrolled in the ICR Plan, a borrower must make one full payment after entering the ICR Plan.)

What’s not changing: Though OBBBA removes the requirement to have partial financial hardship to enroll in the IBR Plan, monthly payment amounts under IBR will continue to be capped at an amount equivalent to the Standard Repayment Plan with a 10-year repayment period. This

means that payments on the IBR Plan will never be higher than payments on a Standard Repayment Plan with a 10-year repayment period. Additionally, OBBBA does not change how a borrower’s monthly payment amount is calculated under the IBR Plan. The following formulas remain in effect:

• For those who borrowed before July 1, 2014: The IBR Plan monthly payment amount calculation is based on 15% of a borrower’s discretionary income, with a 25-year repayment period.

• For those who first borrowed on or after July 1, 2014, or had no outstanding balance at the time they received a new loan on or after that date: The IBR Plan monthly payment amount calculation is based on 10% of a borrower’s discretionary income, with a 20-year repayment period.

Will all borrowers have access to the IBR Plan?

No, some borrowers will continue not to have access to the IBR Plan:

• Parent PLUS borrowers whose PLUS loans have not been consolidated

• Recipients of Perkins loans and other smaller loan programs who have not consolidated those loans into a Direct or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program consolidation loan

What deadlines do borrowers need to meet to be eligible for the IBR Plan?

Borrowers who have eligible loans taken out before July 1, 2026, are permitted to access the IBR, ICR, and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Plans on or after July 1, 2026. There will be no restriction on enrolling in IBR, ICR, or

PAYE on or after July 1, 2026, unless the borrower receives a disbursement on a new loan on or after July 1, 2026.

Borrowers who must consolidate in order to access the IBR, ICR, and PAYE Plans must have their consolidation loan disbursed no later than June 30, 2026, in order to access IBR, ICR, and PAYE. Borrowers who must consolidate their Parent PLUS loans in order to access IBR and ICR don’t need to be enrolled in ICR before June 30, 2026, in order to eventually access IBR. Borrowers who receive disbursements on new loans or on a new consolidation loan on or after July 1, 2026, won’t have access to IBR, ICR, or PAYE even if they were previously enrolled in any of those plans. We strongly encourage borrowers who must consolidate their loans in order to access the IBR, ICR, and PAYE Plans to apply for their consolidation loan at least three months before July 1, 2026, to ensure that their consolidation loan is disbursed before July 1, 2026.

OBBBA eliminates the ICR and PAYE Plans entirely in the future. The Federal Student Aid Department will publish more information about the ICR enrollment deadlines that borrowers with consolidated Parent PLUS loans must meet before ICR is eliminated in order for them to continue to be able to access the IBR Plan.

What steps is the U.S. Department of Education taking to implement the updates to the IBR Plan?

It is working to update both its systems and its loan servicers’ systems to implement these changes. They anticipate that the system changes will be completed winter 2025. As more information becomes available, it will update information at studentaid.gov.

Energize your future by learning, leading and succeeding at Eversource

Make the most of your future and education by discovering all Eversource has to offer.

Eversource is committed to providing safe, reliable and sustainable electric, gas and water service to 4.4 million customers across New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut. We have relationships with some of the best colleges and universities in New England and beyond. Join our company and learn how you can tap into your full potential while achieving real-world experience, results and success through a number of programs for students and recent graduates. And, if you’re hired as a full-time employee, you may be able to participate in our tuition reimbursement program to continue your education.

Eversource manages more than 4,000 circuit miles of high-voltage electric transmission, making up 49% of New England’s transmission system, which plays an essential role in connecting customers across the region with reliable, affordable power and enabling a clean energy future. Our investments in the backbone electric grid are helping to ensure that customers receive reliable power from a diverse energy mix, make our infrastructure more resilient to extreme weather events, and facilitate the integration of clean energy resources. Read more about a few opportunities with Eversource Transmission that are unique in New Hampshire.

Electrical Lineworker Pre-Apprentice Certificate Program

Eversource, in partnership with New Hampshire’s Manchester Community College (MCC), offers a one-year certificate program (two semesters) that prepares graduates for a lineworker apprenticeship

— providing a direct pathway into an exciting and rewarding career in the electric power industry. About half of Eversource apprentices are MCC graduates, including nine out of 10 employees in the last Transmission class.

The hands-on certification program includes in-classroom learning at MCC and laboratory courses at their on-campus training facility. Students learn electrical theory, basic math, CPR and safety, preparing them for employment in the electrical lineworker field.

In addition to the in-classroom coursework, students learn how to climb a utility pole, as well as how to use equipment and tools to safely complete overhead and underground construction. During the second semester, students complete a paid internship with Eversource. A total of 24 credit hours are completed consecutively over a two-semester period for the certificate. Graduates of the Pre-Apprentice Certificate Program may also transfer credits to MCC’s electrical technology or technical studies associate degree programs.

Information sessions are held at MCC to provide prospective students with background information on the program and introduce them to the skills necessary for this program. Prior to registration, MCC requires students to attend an information session, pass a basic math exam, participate in an oral interview, and pass a physical fitness assessment to qualify for enrollment. With successful completion of those steps, students are considered for acceptance into the MCC Lineworker Certificate Program. Class size is limited to 12 students per class, and a

selection committee makes all final determinations. If students do not have their CDL Class A license, they may take driver’s training at MCC.

Field Training Apprenticeship

The Field Training organization is a unique and progressive partnership between the Transmission Training, Distribution and Electric Operations departments to produce the most highly trained and skilled apprentices in the nation — employees who are committed to the highest ethical standards, and who are leaders in our company and community.

Field Training covers the first 18 months of an overhead lineworker’s apprenticeship. The program is a combination of classroom, hands-on training and on-the-job training.

The on-the-job training is done with fully qualified overhead lineworkers who are led and directed by field training supervisors, transmission supervisors and operations distribution supervisors.

The work performed provides ideal training opportunities and is appropriate for each apprentice’s skill and experience level. Apprentices receive weekly and monthly written and verbal evaluations and continual feedback regarding job and classroom performance. Evaluations and feedback are tools to close any skill, knowledge and performance gaps that may exist.

For more information about these and other opportunities to jump-start your career with the Eversource Transmission team, visit jobs. eversource.com/student-programs.

Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is among the top energy companies in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2024 and recognized as a Five-Year Champion, appearing in every edition of the list.

Eversource is New Hampshire’s largest electric utility, serving nearly 535,000 homes and businesses in 211 cities and towns, and also supplies water to approximately 10,300 homes and businesses in eight communities.

Eversource is proud to be recognized as the No. 1 contributor to United Way in New Hampshire.

Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 10,000 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The No. 1 energyefficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally recognized energyefficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like a first-in-thenation, networked geothermal pilot project, solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage into the electric system.

For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.

The Electrical Trade:

Career opportunities beyond the wires

Today, high school graduates have more career path choices than ever before. Technology, innovation and AI continue to expand and recreate traditional roles in many fields — the electrical trade being one of them. Students and job candidates continue to see how an interest or passion, seemingly unrelated to the industry, can lead them to a rewarding career in the electrical trade.

One such individual, Brian Harlow, our Assistant Manager Design-Build Engineering, found that his interest in computers and gaming opened a path to the electrical trade. When Brian graduated from high school, he was unsure of his career path. Despite his interest in computers and gaming, he wasn’t sure he could make a living pursuing this track. He decided to explore certificate courses at a local NH community college and soon realized his aptitude for computers and gaming could transfer to Building Information Modeling (BIM). He reached out to Interstate for a Computer Aided Design (CAD) Operator position and his journey began! Over ten years later, Brian is proud to have used on-the-job training and self-learning to advance into his current role.

We are seeing more stories like this in construction. For example, a student who is interested in interior design might use that passion and experience to shift into an electrical detailing, coordinator, or engineering support career. We’re even seeing students choosing to become electricians, because they are motivated by a passion for green initiatives and want a fulfilling career that will help give back with innovation in charging stations, hydro, wind power, and much more.

Learn more about exci ng career opportuni es at Interstate!

As a woman in the industry, I am proud to see more women entering the electrical trade. It’s rewarding to see students gravitating towards a career that aligns with their interests and passions. Add to this the increased utilization of technology in the industry, and we see an ever-broadening path for individuals to pursue a career in the electrical trade. They realize the opportunities in the electrical field are expansive and offer tremendous career possibilities.

Senior Vice President Interstate Electrical Services www.iesc1.com

— Luiza Mills,

53 Pelham Road Salem, NH 03079

800-CASELLA

www.casellacareers.com

Career path opportunities:

• Drivers

• Mechanics

• Customer Care

• Sales

• Information Technology

• Operations

• Office Support

Training programs:

Emerging Leader Development Program

Frontline Leadership Learning Program

Operations Leadership Development Program

• CDL Permit Training Workshops

• Accredited CDL Training program leading to a CDL Class B License

• Cooperative education and internship opportunities to academically qualified technical high school students and college students

• Internship and corporate fellowship opportunities for active-duty service members transitioning to civilian careers

Employee Benefits:

401k Savings Plan with company match

Life & Disability Insurance

Maternity & Parental Leave

Discounted Stock Program

Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Employee Assistance Plan

• Wellness Incentive

• Paid Time Off

• And more!

What we do:

Founded in 1975 as a single truck collection service, Casella has grown its operations to provide solid waste collection and disposal, transfer, recycling and organics services to more than 1 million residential, commercial, municipal, institutional and industrial customers, and provides professional resource management services to over 10,000 customer locations in more than 40 states. Today, the Casella team has grown by more than 30% since 2022 and now employs nearly 5,000 people. With a cultural commitment to personal growth and continuous improvement, our team is constantly evolving and advancing in service to each other, our customers and our communities.

Why are we a great company to work for?

The cornerstone of our approach to people, culture and belonging is our commitment to inclusion in our recruiting and career path programs. In 2023, 44% of non–entry level positions were filled through internal promotions.

Our ideal candidate:

The Casella culture and our Core Values provide a road map for our continued success. The hard-working men and women of the waste and recycling industry keep our communities clean, recover valuable resources and keep society running.

Many of the leaders at Casella today received their start as front-line employees and have forged a rewarding path of success by taking advantage of the opportunities provided to them along the way. Whether your path begins in the driver’s seat, the maintenance shop, the Customer Care Center, or any of our other entry-level roles, the future holds many opportunities for a rewarding career with purpose.

We offer great training and leadership development.

In 2023, nearly 100% of our managers participated in self-guided sessions in our new training software program. They received coaching on many relevant topics, including preventing discrimination and harassment, creating a positive work environment, ethical leadership and more. Combined with in-person training, this led to more than 2,000 training sessions being completed.

We are inclusive and offer multi-language opportunities.

After identifying language barriers to advancement, we continue to support Spanish-speaking recycling facility employees in pursuing their hoisting licenses and earning leadership certificates. We have also hosted basic Spanish classes for English-speaking managers.

Learn more and apply at www.casellacareers.com

Hands-On Training, High-Tech Careers

NHLS ensures skilled workers are ready for lab and advanced manufacturing jobs

Advanced manufacturing and life sciences are some of the fastest-growing industries in New Hampshire. The key to keeping pace with growth goals is finding and retaining skilled workers.

These industries depend on specialized skills ranging from precision machining to regulated clean-room operations to biomedical research. NH Life Sciences (NHLS) and its members ensure that workers receive training to excel in these fields.

With strong universities and a community college system focused on technical skills, New Hampshire’s academic institutions are setting the foundation for a life sciences manufacturing career. At UNH’s College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, 88% of bachelor’s and 90% of graduate degree holders find related work within a year.

Companies like NHLS members Lehnen Lab and Resonetics are building on that foundation through internships, apprenticeships and collegeemployment co-ops.

A Space to Experiment and Innovate

Lehnen Lab, based in Keene, has provided process control and custom machinery since 2001. The engineering firm designs machines that produce life sciences supplies such as tubing, filters and single-use vessels. “We’ve been very fortunate,” said Peter Lehnen, Lehnen Lab’s founder

and lead designer. “We’ve had a very stable team, and we’ve grown a good bit over the last couple of years, and we have been very successful at recruiting great people.”

Lehnen said people are interested in advanced manufacturing careers. Jobs in this industry pay an average of $111,728, about 60% higher than New Hampshire’s overall average salary. However, Lehnen has heard from his clients about hiring pressures and seeking employees with specific skills.

“Joining NHLS was something that we were interested in right from its beginning, because New Hampshire is growing in this whole field, and the more we can do to support that community, being a local resource here, it’s only good for us,” said Julie Runez, Lehnen Lab’s director of marketing.

“We haven’t personally felt that workforce stress, but we know that a lot of the companies that we’ve done work for are feeling that, and a lot of our partner companies in the lab are feeling that.”

In late 2024, Lehnen opened a 1,600-square-foot proof-of-concept lab stocked with free-to-use components for training and experimentation.

“It’s a space where our customers, potential customers, or even community members can come in and use those resources to either experiment or to achieve proof-of-concept on a potential automation project,” Runez said.

“It’s a space where our vendors can bring their customers to demonstrate how their components work in conjunction with the other components available there from our other partners.”

Vendors can use the space for workforce training, and students from Keene State College and Cheshire Career Technical Center will do projects there.

“It’s a great opportunity for students who are interested in this field to interact with companies that might employ them in the future, to become familiar with components that they’ll be using in their work,” Runez said.

A Strategic Focus on Growth

In 2023, Kevin Kelly became CEO of Resonetics, a Nashua medical device design and manufacturing organization. His priorities were to set the company’s new strategic plan and organize a leadership team to execute it.

The company aims to grow 50% over three years and is focused on attracting and retaining staff.

“We’re working throughout our network to make sure that we’re bringing in the best, the brightest, and we’re supporting them, training them, developing them,” Kelly said of Resonetics’ hiring efforts.

Right now, the company has about 25 interns and co-op students. He said they are looking to double that, and he recently hired a person who will be coordinating academic partnerships.

These partnerships not only support businesses’ workforce needs but also provide young people with a clear pathway to an in-demand career.

According to the University of New Hampshire’s latest “first destination” survey, at least four graduates were employed by Lonza, which provides employee mentors at the school.

Public-private partnerships and investments in the life sciences and advanced manufacturing workforce are a state priority.

When companies have access to high-quality talent, they grow. When they grow, the state’s economy grows. And as the state’s economy grows, it makes life a bit better for all of us who live here.

Resources

Here are other places to get additional information about career planning:

Granite Edvance (formerly NHHEAF Network) graniteedvance.org

Nonprofit provides resources for exploring career and educational pathways and financing higher education.

Jobs for America’s Graduates NH (JAG NH) jagnh.org

JAG NH offers occupational skills training and employment services for youth facing barriers. Participants receive support through career development and exploration, job readiness skills and access to a career specialist for guidance so they can become successful in the workforce.

New Hampshire Department of Employment Security

Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau 45 South Fruit Street, Concord • nhes.nh.gov

• NH Employment Security has NH Works One-Stop offices across the state.

• GraniteStats offers data on labor market information, employment rate and wages, consumer price index, licensed occupations and occupation outlooks.

• NHWorks is a job-matching platform for employers and job-seekers.

Parent Information Center

54 Old Suncook Road, Concord • pinch.org

Resources for life after high school written for parents of children who receive special education services. The plan helps those with an IEP plan goals for education, employment and independent living that work with the youth’s strengths.

WorkReadyNH ccsnh.edu

Offered through partnerships with the Community College System of NH, WorkReadyNH is a free course that helps you enhance your professional skills.

Other ideas

Connect with experienced locals. Reach out to your chamber of commerce to connect with young professional networks to find out what is going on in your own community. You can also reach out to an industry association that’s of interest to find out if there are members in your area who might be willing to share their insights with you.

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