Job Training and Workforce Programs in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has one of the more cohesive state workforce systems in the country. The New Hampshire Department of Employment Security — commonly referred to as NHES — administers a range of programs under the NH Works umbrella, and most free job training available in the state flows through that network. The programs serve unemployed residents, people looking to change careers, workers who are underemployed, and adults who want to improve their skills without leaving their current job.
This page covers what's available in New Hampshire specifically — including several state-funded programs that don't appear on most national job training guides.
New Hampshire Department of Employment Security - the main state agency
The NH Department of Employment Security (NHES) is the primary state agency overseeing job training, workforce services, and unemployment insurance in New Hampshire. NHES administers NH Works Career Centers across the state, manages WIOA funding, runs Trade Adjustment Assistance, and operates several programs unique to New Hampshire.
The agency's website is https://www.nhes.nh.gov/. You can find office locations, program eligibility details, and contact information there. To find your nearest NH Works Career Center, use the locator at careeronestop.org or call NHES directly through their website contact page.
NH Works Career Centers
NH Works Career Centers are the delivery point for most employment and training services in the state. There are locations across New Hampshire. Centers are staffed by career counselors who work with clients one-on-one to identify goals, assess current skills, and connect people with appropriate programs and training options.
Services at most centers include career counseling, job search support, access to computers and job databases, resume and cover letter help, and referrals to training programs. Workshops and seminars are also offered at many locations on topics such as interview skills, career exploration, and navigating the job application process. To find the center nearest you, visit nhes.nh.gov at https://www.nhes.nh.gov/resources/office-locations or use the national locator at careeronestop.org.
WorkReadyNH - community college and employer partnership
WorkReadyNH is one of New Hampshire's most distinctive workforce programs and is not available in most other states in this form. It is a tuition-free professional skills training course developed through the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) in direct partnership with NH employers.
The program focuses on the workplace skills employers consistently say they value most. That includes professional communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, problem-solving in real work situations, and applied workplace math. Graduates receive a soft skills digital badge from CCSNH and can also earn a National Career Readiness Certificate — a portable, nationally recognized credential that signals to employers the graduate has demonstrated measurable workplace competency.
WorkReadyNH is open to any NH resident age 16 or older. Employment status, education level, and background are not barriers to enrollment. Classes run monthly and are offered both in-person at community college locations across the state and online. It has been operating since 2011. Learn more and find the next available session at https://www.ccsnh.edu/..
WorkNowNH - for people on government assistance
WorkNowNH is a free state program administered by NHES and available specifically to New Hampshire residents who are enrolled in Medicaid, Expanded Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF. The program provides individualized support to help participants become job-ready and connect with employers. See the NHPB guide to benefits in New Hampshire.
Services include eligibility assessment, case management, job readiness preparation, and direct employer connections. NHES staff work with each participant to address barriers to employment and help them move into sustainable work. To apply, complete the intake form at nhes.nh.gov or contact WorkNowNH directly at https://www.nhes.nh.gov/ or 1-833-658-4760.
Return to Work Initiative
New Hampshire's Return to Work initiative is a supervised training program for unemployed residents who want to gain hands-on experience with a local employer while remaining eligible for unemployment benefits. Training runs up to six weeks at a maximum of 24 hours per week and must be authorized through NHES before it begins.
The program benefits both participants and employers. Participants get real workplace experience and an opportunity to demonstrate their skills. Employers can train a potential hire without absorbing the full cost. Eligible claimants continue to receive their unemployment benefits during the training period. Contact NHES through nhes.nh.gov to find out whether this program is available in your area and how to request authorization.
WIOA Programs in New Hampshire
Federal WIOA funding in New Hampshire is administered through NHES and delivered through NH Works Career Centers. The two main tracks available to adults are the Adult program and the Dislocated Worker program.
The WIOA Adult program serves New Hampshire residents age 18 and older who meet income and eligibility requirements. It can cover career and occupation counseling, help overcoming barriers to employment, and access to funded training. The Dislocated Worker program assists people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own — including layoffs and plant closures — and who need to acquire new skills to re-enter the workforce.
WIOA-funded training in New Hampshire can pay for over 800 classroom-based programs leading to industry-recognized credentials. It can also fund on-the-job training placements, where an employer hires and trains you while receiving partial wage reimbursement. Support services such as transportation reimbursement, childcare assistance, and help covering costs like uniforms or tools may also be available. Ask a career counselor at your nearest NH Works office what is currently funded in your area.
Veterans receive priority of service across all WIOA-funded programs in New Hampshire. Contact your nearest NHES office and identify yourself as a veteran to ensure you receive appropriate priority consideration.
ApprenticeshipNH
ApprenticeshipNH is a registered apprenticeship initiative run by the Community College System of New Hampshire with federal grant funding. It partners NH community colleges with local employers to create earn-while-you-learn training programs in high-demand fields. Current program focus areas include healthcare, advanced manufacturing, information technology, hospitality, automotive technology, and construction and infrastructure.
ApprenticeshipNH programs span a wide range of occupations — well beyond the traditional construction trades — across fields including healthcare, manufacturing, IT, hospitality, and automotive. Registered apprentices in New Hampshire earn a paycheck from day one, and wages typically increase as skills and experience build toward program completion. More information is available at https://apprenticeshipnh.com/. You can also contact the Office of Apprenticeship and Training at NHES at 603-225-1444.
Trade Adjustment Assistance
Workers who lost their jobs because their employer moved production overseas or was harmed by increased foreign imports may be eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance. In New Hampshire, TAA is administered through NHES. Eligible workers can receive retraining funds, extended unemployment benefits, job search assistance, and relocation help. A wage subsidy is also available for workers age 50 and older who return to work at a lower wage than their previous job.
TAA eligibility requires that your former employer be certified by the U.S. Department of Labor as trade-impacted. NHES can help you check whether your employer qualifies and how to apply. Contact your nearest NH Works office to start the process.
Adult Education and GED Preparation - free classes and testing
The New Hampshire Bureau of Adult Education supports educational programs for adults who do not have skills at a high school equivalency level. Programs are offered through community partners statewide and include adult basic education, GED and high school equivalency preparation, and English as a Second Language classes. These programs are available at no cost and are often coordinated through NH Works Career Centers and community college sites.
Completing a high school equivalency diploma significantly improves both earning potential and access to further training programs. Ask a career counselor at your nearest NH Works office about adult education programs in your area or contact NHES through nhes.nh.gov for referrals.
Older Workers — SCSEP
New Hampshire residents age 55 and older who meet income guidelines can apply for the Senior Community Service Employment Program, known as SCSEP. The program places eligible older adults in part-time positions with nonprofits and government agencies, providing both a modest income and real work experience. The long-term goal is permanent employment. Contact NHES through nhes.nh.gov for eligibility information and to find out whether placements are currently available in your county.
Services for People with Disabilities
NH Works Career Centers provide employment services for people with disabilities, coordinated through NHES and in partnership with Vocational Rehabilitation offices. Services can include skills assessment, job matching, help navigating the employer accommodation process, and referrals to specialized training. Both job seekers and employers can access this assistance. Contact your nearest NH Works Career Center to speak with a counselor about available options.
New Hampshire Job Corps
There is a Job Corps center in New Hampshire serving young adults ages 16 to 24. Job Corps provides tuition-free academic and vocational training, and participants can earn a high school diploma or GED alongside a career credential. The program is run by the U.S. Department of Labor. For program details and enrollment information, visit jobcorps.gov and search for New Hampshire locations.
How to Start
The starting point for most New Hampshire residents is an NH Works Career Center. You do not need an appointment for a first visit at most locations. Bring a photo ID and a general idea of your work history and career goals. A counselor will assess your situation and identify which programs and training options fit your circumstances.
Find your nearest NH Works Career Center at https://www.nhes.nh.gov/resources/office-locations or by using the national locator at https://www.careeronestop.org/.
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