Building the future of trades and housing: The Huot House Workforce Development Initiative

LACONIA ― The Lakes Region Builders & Remodelers Association, in partnership with the Huot Technical Center, is proud to advance one of the Lakes Region’s most impactful workforce development and housing initiatives: the Huot House Program. Designed to prepare the next generation of skilled trades professionals while addressing New Hampshire’s growing need for attainable housing, the Huot House program offers students an immersive, hands-on learning experience that bridges classroom education and real-world construction.

Through the program, students enrolled in Huot Technical Center’s Building Construction and Plumbing & Heating programs construct a fully functional home from start to finish. Under the mentorship of experienced Huot instructors and LRBRA member professionals, students participate in every phase of the build. The Huot Technical Center is formally recognized as a Certified Modular Home Builder, further elevating the program’s standards and providing students with industry-recognized experience in modular construction.

Now in its ninth build, the Huot House program exemplifies LRBRA’s commitment to workforce development by equipping students with the technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and professional standards demanded by today’s construction industry. Each home is constructed inside the school’s building shop over the academic year and measures 12 feet by 36 feet (approximately 435 square feet). The result is a high-quality, energy-efficient home that meets all current building codes.

Tiny House No. 9 is expected to be completed this spring and is currently for sale, continuing the program’s tradition of reinvesting proceeds directly back into workforce development, program expansion, and student scholarships. Contact LRBRA at info@lakesregionbuilders.com for more information on purchasing Tiny House No. 9.

This initiative would not be possible without the extraordinary support of our industry partners who donate materials, provide labor, offer discounted products, contribute financial support, and most importantly, step into the classroom and shop to teach students specialized skills. Their mentorship gives students direct access to real-world expertise and industry standards.

Workforce development meets housing solutions

The Huot House initiative addresses two of New Hampshire’s most pressing challenges: a shortage of skilled trades professionals and a lack of attainable housing options.

As the construction workforce continues to age, LRBRA’s workforce development initiatives play a critical role in preparing students for successful careers in the trades while strengthening the local building industry. At the same time, the completed homes help expand housing opportunities in the Lakes Region, offering smaller-scale, efficient and affordable housing options well-suited to today’s needs.

This work aligns closely with New Hampshire’s recent housing reforms, including updated Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Bill, which make it easier for homeowners and communities to add smaller homes that support affordability, multigenerational living, and workforce housing. The Huot House demonstrates how thoughtful design, quality construction, and workforce training can support these statewide housing goals.