'NH Forward' Industry-Educational Partnership launched

FRANKLIN — The City of Franklin, SAU 18 and Lakes Region Community College have been working successfully to address a growing need to provide trained graduates for local manufacturers. Beginning with a Manufacturing Night in October 2019 organized by Franklin Councilor Jo Brown, five local manufacturers discussed their unique businesses and educated attendees on the world of manufacturing in the 21st century. All five companies subsequently visited the high school and discussed career options with students. Unfortunately, on-site visits were canceled as the pandemic hit, but their dogged effort continued to expand with an exciting twist — adopting the world-famous German American Chamber of Commerce  Apprenticeship Program. The newly-launched Franklin pilot program brings together a two-year partnership program with Franklin High School students, local industries and LRCC. A student who successfully completes the program will earn an associate degree from LRCC, receive a guaranteed job offer from the sponsoring company, and possess a nationally-recognized apprenticeship certification from the GACC.

According to Pecco Beaufaÿs, Owner of the Highland Inn in Andover, "the GACC program aims to create for NH the same apprenticeship opportunities I enjoyed as a young man in Austria. It is no exaggeration to say that my GACC-style apprenticeship experience was the key to my later success in life!"

To help support this effort, a non-profit oversight committee named “NH Forward,” is being formed. Committee member Ken Wells of Andover says “NH Forward’s aim is to procure initial funding, coordinate adoption of GACC’s expertise with Franklin’s resources and needs, solicit commitments from industries, and to ensure that the requirements of NH and US Departments of Labor for registered apprenticeship programs are being met. Franklin, and indeed the rest of New Hampshire, has a great wealth of local educational resources, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, banking and health industry jobs, but lacks a clearly-marked “on ramp” where students can get up to speed and begin their life’s journey in the fast lane of the NH economy. NH Forward will build that “on ramp.”

According to Jule Finley Curriculum Coordinator for SAU 18, “with the Machine Tool Math course and the other upcoming courses related to advanced manufacturing added to our curriculum, we will be able to provide increasing support, reach a whole other caliber of students and allow for new and beneficial ways for our students to earn their math credits."