Governor Kelly Ayotte joins hundreds of families as BBTT launches landmark Tool Grant Program and addresses $325 billion workforce gap
April 27, 2026: LONDONDERRY, NH – The doors at Londonderry High School had barely opened last Saturday before it became clear: the next generation is ready to get to work. Bring Back The Trades (BBTT) hosted a sold-out Skills Expo that saw over 1,000 attendees and culminated in $35,000 being awarded in scholarships to 14 deserving students from across the state.
The energy was high from the start as Governor Kelly Ayotte helped kick off the day alongside the event’s co-hosts: Londonderry High School, Londonderry Police Department, and Rotary Club of Londonderry. The event was put on by Bring Back the Trades and presented by F.W. Webb Company. From heavy machinery to hands-on demonstrations, the community got a front-row seat to the careers that keep the world turning.
“This is exactly what we mean when we say we’re working to bring back the trades,” said Steve Turner, Founder of Bring Back The Trades. “Londonderry showed up in a big way. We aren’t just talking about a skills gap anymore—we’re putting real money and real tools into the hands of the future. This isn’t a ‘Plan B’ career path; for these students, it’s the first, best choice.”
Community Driven Success
The Expo’s growth was fueled by local co-chairs Londonderry Police Captain Patrick Cheetham, Londonderry Rotary Past President Michael Lucci, and Londonderry High School (LHS) Vice Principal Katie Sullivan. Lucci and the Rotary pledged their support early in 2025 after Cheetham and Sullivan made a push to first bring the event to the community.
“What started as a first-time event last year handing out three scholarships has turned into an event with nearly 1,200 attendees, 80 exhibitors, and $35,000 in scholarship awards,” the co-chairs noted. “We couldn’t be prouder to host this in Londonderry and will continue our support for many years to come.”
The commitment to the trades is becoming a permanent fixture in Lancer Nation; this fall, Sullivan will serve as Director of the newly created Lancer Academy at LHS. The program is designed to educate students on high-value alternatives to four-year colleges, ensuring the next generation is exposed to the full range of career possibilities ahead.
Data-Driven Advocacy
The day’s success was also fueled by Title Sponsor F.W. Webb Company, whose partnership has been a game-changer for the organization. Their support not only supports Skills Expos throughout the year, but also backed BBTT’s landmark research project. Working with Parker Strategy Group, BBTT recently parsed through 11,000 data points across seven key trades to map out the challenges facing the workforce—including a looming $325 billion gap.
“We’re using this data to tell a powerful story,” said Shana Brunye, BBTT’s chief operating officer. “With F.W. Webb’s help, we’re doing even more research around the trades to understand exactly which trades are going to be needed most and where, so we can advocate for the next generation of tradespeople.”
Equipping the Classroom
To amplify the opportunity for more schools to support trades education, BBTT also recently announced the launch of its new Tool Grant Program. Through a partnership with Milwaukee Tool, BBTT is now outfitting public school shop programs and non-profits with the professional-grade gear they need to train students.
“If we want these kids to be the best, they need to learn on the best,” said Turner. “With Milwaukee Tool on board, we’re making sure shop classrooms have exactly what they need to succeed.”
Looking Ahead
The Londonderry Expo was just the beginning. BBTT is keeping the excitement going all year with upcoming Skills Expos in South Portland, Maine next month and Marlborough, Massachusetts, this fall. Two additional inaugural events are being held in New Hampshire this summer: the NH Bike Build Off and the Grit to Grow Summit.
For more information on upcoming events, past scholarship winners, the research report, or how to apply for a scholarship or the Tool Grant Program, visit BBTT.org.
About Bring Back the Trades
Bring Back the Trades is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the skilled trades as essential and rewarding career paths. Through scholarships, education, and community collaboration, BBTT works to elevate awareness, respect, and opportunities in the trades. Learn more at BBTT.org
About F.W. Webb Company
An industry pioneer since 1866, F.W. Webb Company is the largest wholesale distributor of plumbing, heating, HVAC, LP gas, refrigeration, pipe, valves and fittings in the Northeast. F.W. Webb has grown from a single location to more than 100 across nine states and proudly offers customers an extensive inventory of products and dedicated services that reach from underground to the rooftop. Covering 16 areas of expertise, specialty markets include process controls, water works, environmental services and more. F.W. Webb also operates more than 49 Frank Webb Home bath, kitchen and lighting retail showrooms. Media contact:
[email protected].
About Milwaukee Tool
For over 100 years, Milwaukee Tool has led the industry with innovative solutions that redefine performance, productivity, and safety for the professional trades. Fueled by an unwavering commitment to its users, Milwaukee Tool pioneers breakthrough technologies, products, and services that empower tradespeople to excel in their work and return home safely each day. Milwaukee is dedicated to delivering a steady stream of advanced, trade-specific solutions from its global research, design and development facilities located across southeast Wisconsin.
Milwaukee® is a subsidiary of Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. (TTI), a world leader in cordless technology. For
more information about Milwaukee Tool, visit www.milwaukeetool.com.
