CLAREMONT, N.H. — Claremont MakerSpace is proud to announce the launch of Trade Up Claremont, a new workforce development initiative designed to equip individuals with in-demand trade skills and connect local businesses with job-ready employees. This program, developed in collaboration with key partners including Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center, WorkReady NH, Apprenticeship NH, and area employers, seeks to address regional workforce shortages by providing free, hands-on training in high-demand fields such as manufacturing, machining, and facilities maintenance.
To lead this transformative initiative, Claremont MakerSpace hired Cortney Nichols as the director of Education and Workforce Development. With extensive experience in community engagement and nonprofit leadership, Nichols will oversee the program’s development, working closely with businesses and community organizations to ensure Trade Up Claremont meets the needs of both employers and workers.
“We are excited to launch Trade Up Claremont to create meaningful career pathways for individuals while helping businesses find skilled talent,” said Nichols. “By partnering with local employers and workforce agencies, we aim to provide hands-on, practical training that directly translates to employment opportunities.”
“I’m excited for more people to discover the incredible opportunities and innovative programs at the Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center. It’s a place where students can truly thrive, and I’m eager for the community to see the amazing things we have to offer. With our new after-hours program geared toward adults, it’s never too late to come to the Tech Center and learn some amazing skills,” said Michelle Herrington, assistant director at SRVTC.
“WorkReadyNH is a great program that’s underutilized in our region. Pairing it with ApprenticeshipNH and utilizing the impressive Claremont Makerspace team and facility provides a great opportunity to expand on these important topics. We at Whelen Engineering are excited for the chance to be a part of it,” said Chuck Lessard, a Work Ready NH graduate and Molding Division Manager at Whelen.
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“Together, we aim to equip individuals with in-demand skills in advanced manufacturing and maintenance, fostering career growth while addressing the region’s need for a skilled workforce,” said John Knorr from Apprenticeship NH.
There are at least five training sessions planned, with each covering about four months of online, remote and in-person training, and the first pilot session starting April 7. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. Participant info sessions will be scheduled for March 15 and March 25 and posted on the program website.
“Our goal is to provide 60 area residents with training and new skills that results in economic opportunities for them that they would not have had otherwise,” said Felicia Dalke, executive director of the Claremont MakerSpace. “We could not achieve this goal without the collaboration of our key program partners and grant funding from the Northern Borders Regional Commission, with additional support from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.”
Trade Up Claremont is an exciting step forward in strengthening the local workforce and supporting regional economic growth. Businesses, jobseekers and community partners interested in learning more are encouraged to reach out to Cortney at the Claremont MakerSpace.
