June 2026 High-Profile: Training and Recruitment 35
Jewett Construction Announces Recipient of 2026 Jewett Trade Scholarship
Justin Howell with Craig Jewett, Head of School Dr. Timothy Powers, and the staff from the CTE and Athletics departments
Justin Howell and Craig Jewett
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Fremont, NH— Jewett Construction announced that Justin Howell of Pinkerton Academy has been chosen as the recipient of the 2026 Jewett Trade Scholarship.
Now in its second year, the Jewett Trade Scholarship was established to support graduating New Hampshire seniors pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Howell plans to pursue a career in the HVAC field following graduation. As part of his application, he reflected on a difficult experience that helped shape his perspective and work ethic. He said,“[ A discouraging experience ] showed me that
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progress often comes from the hardest moments, and that by staying committed and working hard, I can achieve my goals. These are the same qualities I will carry with me as I pursue a future in the skilled trades.”
“ We are pleased to support New Hampshire’ s future builders and tradespeople through this scholarship program,” said Craig Jewett, owner of Jewett Construction.“ The skilled trades are filled with opportunity, and we are proud to help students like Justin take the next step toward meaningful and rewarding careers.”
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Justin Howell with Craig Jewett, Head of School Dr. Timothy Powers, and the staff from the CTE and Athletics departments
The inaugural scholarship recipient was Peyton Connelly of Merrimack High School, who used the scholarship to help ease the financial burden of continuing his education in welding. Over the past year, he earned 54 welding certifications, including the 6G 6-inch pipe restricted test, and was recently offered a position with a local Iron Workers union.
“ Learning about Peyton’ s growth
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over the last year has been incredibly rewarding,” added Jewett.“ We look forward to watching Justin achieve that same level of advancement and success along his own career path.”
The New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association( NHIAA) has helped spread awareness of the scholarship opportunity across high schools throughout New Hampshire. The scholarship program will reopen in the fall for the 2026 – 2027 academic year. Interested applicants can learn more and apply by visiting www. jewettconstruction. com.
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NH Firm Launches Summer 2026 Pre‐Apprenticeship Program
Walpole, NH— Bensonwood is launching its Summer 2026 Pre‐Apprenticeship Program in Carpentry and Offsite Construction, a four‐week immersive experience introducing participants to careers in carpentry, sustainable building, and prefabrication starting in July.
Developed through a planning grant with ApprenticeshipNH and designed by Bensonwood master builders with extensive support from educator and curriculum specialist Marion Boa, the program is geared toward recent trades graduates and individuals with some construction experience. It offers hands‐on learning and a clear pathway to potential full‐time employment with Bensonwood.
ApprenticeshipNH is a workforce training program of the Community College System of NH that helps individuals build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in a Registered Apprenticeship Program. Participants will work alongside experienced craftspeople in Bensonwood’ s climate‐controlled production facilities, learning traditional carpentry skills alongside modern offsite construction methods. The curriculum emphasizes the tools, materials, and techniques behind high‐performance, energy‐efficient buildings.
“ This program introduces participants to a future‐focused model of building while grounding them in the craft traditions that define our work,” said Emily Benson, employee success officer.“ After two years of running our Registered Apprenticeship, this pre‐apprenticeship
creates a low‐barrier entry point into both our company and the trades.”
“ I learned an absolutely tremendous amount during the apprenticeship,” said Ryan Anderson, who recently completed his apprenticeship.“ It was amazing to see how the process translated from design to build. You’ re learning more than just building— you’ re learning how to streamline, manufacture, and collaborate. The people here create a warm environment for learning. I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience and the culture.”
The program introduces participants to multiple career pathways at Bensonwood, including Registered Apprentice,
Woodworker, Shop Carpenter, and Site Installation Carpenter, with potential exposure into longer‐term advancement opportunities across shop leadership, job captain roles, and sustainable design / build careers.
Michael Piaseczny, ApprenticeshipNH Hub developer for the West, said,“ Working with Emily Benson and the Bensonwood team on the development of their Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs has been a fantastic collaboration. They have demonstrated a company culture which fosters the professional growth and support of their employees and their pre-apprenticeship will provide a meaningful career pathway opportunity for individuals.”
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