RYE, NH — Bring Back the Trades (BBTT), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering the next generation of skilled tradespeople, announces its Spring 2026 Skills Expos. The hands-on events are designed for students, families, educators, employers, and community members across New England. Spring events include a return to Londonderry High School in New Hampshire on Saturday, April 18, 2026, and BBTT’s first-ever Maine expo at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) in South Portland on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Both events, presented by title sponsor F.W. Webb Company, will offer immersive opportunities to explore careers in construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, welding, automotive, cosmetology, and more through interactive demonstrations and conversations with local professionals.
“We’re excited to return to Londonderry and to bring this experience to Maine for the first time, giving more students and families the chance to get hands-on, ask questions, and start imagining what the trades can offer,” said Steve Turner, Founder and CEO of Bring Back the Trades. “These expos are about opening doors. Last year showed us what’s possible when communities rally around the trades. And we’re excited to bring the experience to new places.”
“The trades are the backbone of our communities,” said Sean Davis, Vice President of Marketing at F.W. Webb Company. "Partnering with Bring Back the Trades on the expos allows us to help spark curiosity and show students that these careers offer pride, purpose, and long-term opportunity. We’re proud to support BBTT as they expand their reach.”
The Londonderry Skills Expo returns, once again hosted at Londonderry High School and co-hosted by the Rotary Club of Londonderry and the Londonderry Police Department. The event is expected to draw more than 1,000 attendees and is free and open to all ages. New this year is the inclusion of food trucks.
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“Rotary is about service above self, and this event is a powerful example of that spirit in action,” said Michael Lucci of the Rotary Club of Londonderry. “Bringing together schools, businesses, and volunteers to support the next generation of tradespeople strengthens our community and helps open doors for local students.”
BBTT’s expansion into Maine marks the organization’s first Skills Expo in the state and will take place at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland, Maine. The ticketed event will connect students from across southern Maine with regional employers, unions, trade schools, and workforce partners in a college campus setting designed to highlight both career and education pathways.
“We are excited to welcome Bring Back the Trades to Southern Maine Community College for their first Maine Skills Expo,” said Kristen Miller, President of SMCC. “This event aligns with our mission to provide accessible, hands-on education and strong career pathways for students. It’s a meaningful opportunity for young people to explore the trades, meet industry leaders, and imagine what’s possible right here in our region.”
