NHTI Carpentry Apprentices Enhance Skills Through Community Service

Carpentry apprentices from the New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI) are gaining invaluable hands-on experience through volunteer projects with Habitat for Humanity. On November 15, 2025, a group of seven apprentices undertook a significant bathroom remodel for a Loudon resident, transforming a sunken tub into a walk-in shower and adding closet space.

The volunteers, including apprentices like Drew DeStefano and Miguel Ortiz, engaged in various tasks, from removing windows to refinishing external siding. They also addressed additional repairs, such as fixing decaying portions of the deck and leaks from the old tub. “It’s rewarding,” Ortiz stated during a lunch break. “It’s really nice to give back to the community.”

Many apprentices prefer this volunteer environment over traditional job sites, where the pressure of deadlines and financial constraints can be overwhelming. Tristan Bogrett, another NHTI apprentice, noted, “You don’t have to worry about getting stuff done for getting paid. You work, you get it done as best as you can, and just enjoy the process.”

Building Skills and Giving Back

NHTI’s carpentry program is currently in its second cohort, with students in the first of three phases over the course of a year. This “earn-while-you-learn” initiative allows apprentices to work at local construction companies while pursuing their certification. Many of these students are affiliated with Concord-based North Branch Construction.

The collaboration with Habitat for Humanity marks a first for NHTI, as stated by Kathy Taylor, the director of workforce education. Inspired by a similar program at Manchester Community College, Taylor envisioned a series of community service projects integrated into the carpentry curriculum. “Why only do one community service project? Why don’t we build that into this program?” she reflected.

The apprentices’ first project with Habitat for Humanity took place in October 2025 in Allenstown, where they dismantled a rotting deck and constructed a new one. According to instructor Jason McKenna, this initiative has broadened the students’ perspectives on their trade, allowing them to contribute significantly to their community.

Community Impact and Personal Growth

Habitat for Humanity assists low-income families by providing affordable home repairs. Homeowners must meet specific income requirements to qualify for assistance. The organization is currently booked for volunteer projects until summer 2026, highlighting a significant demand for community support.

For apprentices like Ortiz, working on these projects is about more than just skill development; it’s about making a meaningful impact. “I love the architecture and the client experience. I love working with clients and helping them reach their goals,” he explained. This passion for residential construction drives many of the apprentices as they work toward their careers.

Through initiatives like these, NHTI is not only enhancing the skills of its apprentices but also fostering a sense of community responsibility and personal fulfillment among the next generation of carpenters. The hands-on experience gained through these volunteer projects will serve these students well in their future careers, equipping them with practical skills and a deeper understanding of the importance of service.