Bring Back the Trades (BBTT), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering the next generation of skilled tradespeople, has announced 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. The New Hampshire event will be free and open to the public, while the Maine event will require the purchase of tickets in advance due to the included BBQ lunch.

“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.”

A Return to Londonderry After a Breakout Year

The Londonderry Skills Expo returns after a strong inaugural year, 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.

“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.”

Expanding North: BBTT’s First Maine Skills Expo at SMCC

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, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. 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.”

Promo code MEDIA can be applied for free individual tickets to the Maine event, and schools and others interested in purchasing tickets in bulk can use promo code SCHOOL for free tickets. Ticket sales close two weeks prior to the Maine event.

What to Expect

Attendees can:
● Meet local trades organizations, employers, unions, and educators
● Explore hands-on demonstrations and equipment displays
● Learn about education and career pathways
● Enjoy a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere
● Discover BBTT scholarship opportunities supporting students pursuing trades careers

Event Details

Londonderry Skills Expo
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Londonderry High School | 295 Mammoth Rd, Londonderry, NH
Admission: Free admission | Open to all ages (recommended for ages 10+)

Southern Maine Skills Expo at SMCC
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Location: Southern Maine Community College | 200 Fort Road, South Portland, ME
Admission: Advance ticket purchase required | Open to all ages (recommended for ages 10+)
Promo codes: MEDIA for individual ticket purchases (up to 10), or SCHOOL for bulk ticket purchases

Learn more about attending, exhibiting, sponsoring, or volunteering at BBTT.org.