Seven to Save 2022: Preservation Trades Workforce in New Hampshire
You have all probably experienced the frustration that a shortage of skilled labor creates when it comes to construction. Long wait times for masons, plumbers, electricians, roofers, and excavators seems to be the norm today. Thanks to a recent survey done across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, we know that it’s not just you.
The median age of contractors is increasing and the pandemic’s effects on material costs, availability, and labor have made the field especially volatile.
Solutions include establishing paid internships and apprenticeships, highlighting preservation trades in high school vocational programs, encouraging those already in the general construction field to narrow their focus, and making it easier for those who are interested in a mid-career or late-career change. 86% of survey respondents believe that young people are discouraged from considering the trades, but 96% believe that the trades provide a fulfilling/interesting/profitable career path.
Proficiency in the preservation trades takes commitment, though. Most tradespeople who responded to the survey said it takes up to five years of on-the-job training and mentorship to learn these skills. That’s a big commitment from the trainee and the mentor, especially when many contractors work independently.
Because Northern New England has some of the oldest housing stock in the nation, this problem is unlikely to go away. We need to invest in our young people and the preservation trades so that these skills are passed on and tomorrow’s old house and barn owners can get the help they need.
Stay up to date on this program, including when submissions open for next year’s list, and browse listees from past years (we’ve been highlighting endangered properties since 2006!) by vising the Seven to Save homepage.
Are you part of a group involved with one of our previous listees? We’d love to hear how you’re doing! Call us at (603) 224-2281 or email seventosave@nhpreservation.org.