Wayne F. Lesperance, Jr. and Matthew Mayberry: Stop Choosing Between College and the Trades—Do Both

This article was published by the Union Leader on August 10, 2026.

For too long, conversations about education and workforce development have been framed as a choice: college or the trades. That is the wrong conversation.

We often talk about higher education and work as though they exist on separate paths. They do not. The strongest educational experiences connect learning with doing, helping students apply knowledge, develop skills and discover purpose throughout their lives.

This is not a choice between college and the skilled trades. It is an opportunity to strengthen both. When education and work are aligned, individuals are better prepared for rewarding careers, employers gain the talent they need, and New Hampshire is better positioned for the future.

It is in this spirit that the New Hampshire Home Builders Association (NHHBA) and New England College have proudly launched a new partnership to bring higher education directly to one of New Hampshire’s most essential industries.

Through a new series of micro-credential programs, these professionals associated with the NHHBA will gain access to targeted curricula in management, marketing, artificial intelligence and human resources. These credentials meet today’s workforce needs by offering practical, relevant learning immediately applicable on the job and on a schedule that meets the busy lives of working professionals.

Builders are entrepreneurs who manage complex projects, lead teams, recruit talent, oversee budgets, market their businesses and serve customers every day. They are business leaders. Success in today’s construction industry requires more than technical expertise; it demands strong leadership and business skills.

NEC’s micro-credentials provide an efficient way to develop those competencies without requiring employees or business owners to step away from work or commit to a full degree program. Participants immediately gain valuable knowledge to position themselves and their companies for long-term success, all while keeping their options open for additional credits and a possible degree.

Beyond professional development, this partnership offers something bigger: a new vision for workforce development in New Hampshire. Across our state, employers in every sector are searching for skilled workers and future leaders. At the same time, many adults are looking for opportunities to advance their careers without putting their lives on hold. Traditional educational models do not always meet those needs. They don’t have to. By combining higher education’s expertise with workplace reality, we create flexible learning opportunities to help people continue earning while they continue learning.

This pairing is crucial to an expanding home-building industry, one that allows experienced professionals to advance into leadership roles and a new generation to enter the workforce. Together, higher education and industry create stronger, more resilient businesses and ultimately help New Hampshire address its housing challenges.

This collaboration also sends an important message to students, families and employers: educational success is not defined by a single path or a fixed timeline. Our approach is particularly helpful for those who stepped off the educational path to balance careers with family needs and meet pressing financial responsibilities. They need educational opportunities that are flexible, affordable and directly connected to career advancement. Micro-credentials answer that need by delivering focused, high-impact learning that can stand alone or serve as a stepping stone toward future academic and career achievement.

When colleges partner with industry associations, education becomes more responsive. Employers help shape curriculum. Faculty bring research and instructional expertise. Workers receive learning that is both academically rigorous and immediately relevant. Everyone benefits. That’s the point. By strengthening the connections between higher education and the trades, we can continue building a workforce prepared not only to meet today’s demands but to lead tomorrow’s economy.

Building homes requires skilled hands. Building New Hampshire’s future requires strong partnerships. This collaboration is an investment in both.

Wayne F. Lesperance Jr., president of New England College, holds a doctorate in law and policy and lives in Henniker. Matthew Mayberry is chief executive officer of New Hampshire Home Builders Association. He lives in Rochester.