Walpole, NH — Bensonwood has launched its Summer 2026 Pre-Apprenticeship Program in Carpentry and Offsite Construction, a four-week training program beginning in July 2026 focused on carpentry, sustainable building, and prefabrication.
The program was developed through a Planning Grant with ApprenticeshipNH and designed by Bensonwood builders with support from educator and curriculum specialist Marion Boa. It is intended for recent trades graduates and individuals with prior construction experience and includes hands-on instruction and exposure to employment opportunities at Bensonwood.
ApprenticeshipNH, a workforce training initiative of the Community College System of New Hampshire, supports training and career pathways through Registered Apprenticeship programs.
Participants in the pre-apprenticeship program will work in Bensonwood’s production facilities alongside experienced craftspeople, learning both traditional carpentry techniques and offsite construction methods. Training will focus on tools, materials, and processes used in high-performance, energy-efficient building systems.
“This program introduces participants to a future-focused model of building while grounding them in the craft traditions that define our work,” said Emily Benson, Employee Success Officer at Bensonwood. “After two years of running our Registered Apprenticeship, this pre-apprenticeship creates a low-barrier entry point into both our company and the trades.”
Ryan Anderson, who recently completed Bensonwood’s apprenticeship program, said the experience provided insight into the full construction process, from design through manufacturing and installation.
The program introduces participants to several career tracks at Bensonwood, including Registered Apprentice, Woodworker, Shop Carpenter, and Site Installation Carpenter, with opportunities for advancement into leadership and specialized construction roles.
Michael Piaseczny said the collaboration between ApprenticeshipNH and Bensonwood has focused on expanding career pathway opportunities through apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training.
The pre-apprenticeship program also serves as a pathway into Bensonwood’s Registered Apprenticeship Program, offered in partnership with ApprenticeshipNH.
