Paid, on-the-job training and education creates career path to attract younger workers
Concord, N.H. (November 6, 2025) – The first federally approved apprenticeship for the Granite State’s timber industry is the new Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) for operating engineers offered at both HB Logging and HB Trucking in Monroe. ApprenticeshipNH, a workforce training program of the Community College System of NH (CCSNH) and White Mountains Community College (WMCC) partnered with New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association (NHTOA), HB Logging, and HB Trucking to create this new workforce training pipeline.
“We hope the new apprenticeship programs at HB Logging and HB Trucking serve as models for other companies in northern New Hampshire that are looking for practical approaches to address workforce needs,” said Christopher Lalmond, ApprenticeshipNH’s hub developer for northern New Hampshire.
The two- or three-year apprenticeship combines a minimum of 4,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training with approximately 290 hours of related coursework. Participants complete two courses from the Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology program offered at WMCC’s Littleton Academic Center; industry-recognized training and coursework in NHTOA’s Professional Loggers Program; and professional skills training through WorkReadyNH, a tuition-free professional development program offered by CCSNH.
Doug Cullen, workforce development manager at NHTOA, says the idea for an apprenticeship in the timber industry originated with Andrew Fast, a forest industry specialist at the University of New Hampshire’s Extension. “This is an excellent example of New Hampshire’s community college and university system working collaboratively for the benefit of the state’s industries and economy, with NHTOA acting as a supportive intermediary,” commented Cullen.
Heath Bunnell said that New Hampshire’s logging industry faces significant workforce shortages, primarily due to an aging workforce, difficulty attracting younger generations, and a lack of skilled labor. HB Logging provides logging, excavation, and wood processing services in northern New Hampshire and Vermont. The company’s transportation needs are met by HB Trucking. Both companies are owned by Bunnell, who was named Outstanding Logger by NHTOA in 2019.
The RAP is part of a multifaceted effort to address the workforce challenges at Bunnell’s two companies. “Apprenticeships are a way to bring younger workers in to see what we do and see that it can be a great career,” he said. Bunnell added that a RAP, which is approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, meets requirements for federal contracts, enhancing his company’s ability to compete for major jobs.
The RAPs at HB Logging and HB Trucking received federal approval in August 2025. One apprentice is currently completing the program at each company. For more information, please contact HB Logging at 603-991-7144 and HB Trucking at 603-638-4983.
