NH Launches First Federally-Approved Early Childhood Director Apprenticeship Program to Help Address Child Care Shortage

ApprenticeshipNH, a workforce training program of the Community College System of NH (CCSNH), is growing again, this time expanding into another area of critical workforce need and market demand in New Hampshire. ApprenticeshipNH and A Place to Grow LLC, a nature-based early learning center in Brentwood, N.H., have collaborated with New Hampshire’s Office of Apprenticeship and other stakeholders to create the nation’s first Registered Early Childhood Director Apprenticeship Program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). By pioneering an Early Childhood Director apprenticeship, New Hampshire is leading the way to create a career pathway to encourage individuals to enter the field, as well as vital education and training to help build needed additional childcare capacity in the Granite State.

This new Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) develops entrepreneurial and small business skills so individuals with early childhood education experience have a pathway to own or manage childcare facilities. “It was a team effort to secure a rare federal approval of a new Registered Apprenticeship occupation. Our program will serve as a model for other states,” said Christopher Lalmond, Hub Developer at CCSNH’s ApprenticeshipNH.

CCSNH Honors Business and Civic Leader Tom Raffio with Award for Education and Public Service

The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) honored Tom Raffio, president and CEO of Northeast Delta Dental and highly respected civic leader, with the Walter R. Peterson Education and Public Service Award at a celebration on October 1 at NHTI - Concord’s Community College. The award recognizes Raffio’s impactful leadership and support of public higher education in New Hampshire.

Under Raffio’s leadership, Northeast Delta Dental, a not-for-profit dental insurance company serving New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, created the Northeast Delta Dental Foundation to support oral health programs in northern New England. The company has also been a steadfast supporter of New Hampshire’s community colleges, with corporate support that has exceeded $1.5 million. Raffio has spearheaded major investments in NHTI’s dental hygiene program to address the demand for a shortage of dental hygienists and dental assistants, and he and his wife, Ellen, have also made significant personal commitments to NHTI Athletics.

The prestigious Walter R. Peterson Award is presented every other year through The Foundation for New Hampshire Community Colleges. The Foundation provides greater access to educational opportunities through financial assistance for student scholarships, program development and enhancements to facilities across New Hampshire’s seven community colleges. It seeks contributions from public and private sources to create scholarships and program partnerships that prepare students for in-demand, skilled jobs to meet workforce needs.

NCC Names New STEM Center for BAE Systems, Inc.

The Nashua Community College leadership team, business, industry, state officials, and community partners celebrated the naming of the updated STEM wing in honor of BAE Systems, Inc. on Friday, Sept. 13.

President Lucille Jordan welcomed attendees, and spoke to the relationship between NCC and BAE Systems, Inc., noting the company played a pivotal role in securing state funding for the STEM Center, “The naming of the STEM Center is not only rooted in a long-standing partnership between BAE System, Inc. and our institution, but also acknowledges their exceptional contributions to the Greater Nashua community.”

Senator Maggie Hassan’s staff shared a statement for the event thanking BAE Systems for their commitment to preparing the next generation of New Hampshire creators, “New Hampshire has a long history of driving innovation and using cutting-edge technology to solve problems. By investing in STEM education, we carry on this tradition.”

The BAE Systems, Inc. STEM Center houses programs like Electronic Engineering Technology, Computer Networking, Computer Science, Physics classes, and the BAE Systems, Inc. workforce training programs such as the Microelectronics Boot Camp. The renovation also features a student collaboration space, study lounges, the Business Department faculty suite, and includes significant lab and technology upgrades.



Nearly 1,000 Students Attend Automobile Dealers Association Career Day

On Thursday, October 3, nearly 1,000 students attended the New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association career day at Manchester Community College.

Attendees were able to speak with community colleges, dealerships, and manufacturers to learn more about career paths in the industry. The event served to connect those interested in automative careers with industry professionals.

The Automobile Dealers Association stressed the fact that qualified individuals are needed in the industry and those in the field can make a good living.

The majority of community colleges in New Hampshire offer education and training in automotive technology, enabling graduates to enter the workforce prepared and with industry recognized certifications. CCSNH offers prospective automotive technology students pathways to both associate degrees and certificates.