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CONCORD, N.H., July 30, 2025 — New Hampshire continues to be a national leader in construction employment, boasting one of the lowest construction unemployment rates in the country for June 2025, according to a state-by-state analysis released today by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). New Hampshire recorded a 1.3% not seasonally adjusted construction unemployment rate in June—the third-lowest rate in the nation, behind only South Dakota (0.8%) and North Dakota (1.2%), and tied with Montana and Oklahoma for a spot in the top five.
Mid July is peak season in Vermont for construction and contractors are out in the field building Vermont. At the same time they are busy erecting the buildings and infrastructure we need while a new crew is learning the ropes at the Vermont Construction Academy (VCA). We have entered week 3 which is halfway through the first VCA bootcamp pre apprentice program. Ross Lavoie the VCA instructor has been teaching a lively group of men and women both theory and hands on carpentry and safety. The group has been moving back and forth between classroom and the 8000 sq/ft hands on training lab. Through the cohorts time here they have enjoyed “Ted Talks” from many Associated Builder and Contractors NH/VT members who came to talk about their companies and what makes them unique. These talks are set up to share some different perspectives from the field so that they will be able to consider where they would like to take their new skills to begin their careers.
Founded in 2007, the Future Leaders in Construction (FLiC) program is a leadership development initiative designed for both emerging leaders and established professionals who are committed to making a significant impact in their work and personal lives. Whether you are working in the field or in the office, FLiC offers a unique and enriching experience by bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds and experiences, fostering a rich environment for learning and growth.
Last week, ABC NH/VT held a reception to welcome students and contractors participating in our 2nd Vermont Commercial Craft Apprenticeship class which begins Nov. 17 2023.
The construction industry added 23,000 jobs on net in October, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has increased by 219,000 jobs, an increase of 2.8%.
National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 13-19, reminds us that apprenticeships are the best way to set yourself up for success from Day 1, and America should treat them as such.
It takes courage to address uncomfortable topics, but Jennifer Landon, VP of Education and Workforce Development is up for the challenge. Landon recently presented “Grief: A Hidden Safety Risk” at the Women in Safety Conference at Keene State College. “Grief is a natural and normal response to loss, but it can be a complex and often misunderstood emotion. Grief messes with our brains and our bodies," says Landon.
According to a state-by-state analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today by Associated Builders and Contractors, New Hampshire has the lowest unemployment in New England, at 1.8%. The next lowest state is Vermont with 2.1%.
Associated Builders and Contractors member contractors invested more than $1.5 billion to provide nearly 1.3 million course attendees with craft, leadership and safety education in 2022, according to its 2023 Workforce Development Survey, down from $1.6 billion in 2021. The annual assessment quantifies the scope of ABC members’ workforce development initiatives to advance their employees’ careers in commercial and industrial construction to build the places where Americans live, work, learn, heal and play.
ABC president Joshua Reap sat down with Mike Morin on WFEA to talk about the career opportunities available with NH contractors.