Dear Director Noonan, Governor Ayotte, Members of the New Hampshire Executive Council, and Child Welfare Leadership:
My name is Hon. Sean Morrison, former New Hampshire State Representative (2016–2019), former member of the New Hampshire House Child and Family Law Committee and Labor Committee, and former Chairman and Founder of the New Hampshire House Veterans Caucus.
I am also a United States Army veteran, retired firefighter/paramedic, former foster parent, and adoptive parent. During my legislative service, I sponsored and co-sponsored legislation intended to protect New Hampshire’s children and families, including legislation concerning the best interests of the child, the Foster Child Bill of Rights, and the Foster Parent Bill of Rights.
During my legislative service, I also helped arrange career fairs connecting young people with employers, apprenticeship programs, educational institutions, military representatives, and skilled-trade organizations.
I am requesting statewide cooperation in distributing the attached career opportunity flyers to teenagers in New Hampshire foster care, group homes, residential facilities, and transitional living programs.
These materials identify specific paths to paid employment and training: skilled-trade apprenticeships, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard federal civilian apprenticeships, Pease International Tradeport employers, community college and ROTC education opportunities, and military and National Guard careers.
Young people preparing to leave foster care deserve to know where they can apply for paid work, how to begin training, and whom to contact directly. Many apprenticeships pay from the first day of employment, subject to hiring and eligibility requirements.
I am not asking the state to create a new program, hold a career fair, or spend additional taxpayer funds. I am asking DCYF and residential providers to distribute the attached existing information to interested teenagers and identify a statewide point of contact.
I am willing to coordinate distribution personally or work with the person the department designates.
Having served as a foster parent and adoptive parent, I know how important practical guidance is for young people entering adulthood. As an Army veteran, I also recommend that interested, eligible young adults consider military service for its career training and the habits it can help develop, including punctuality, responsibility, teamwork, and self-discipline.
Career Opportunities, Published Pay, and Direct Contacts
| Career | Published Hourly Pay | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician, IBEW Local 490 | $36.12 | Jon Webb, 603-226-3964 |
| Electrician, IBEW Local 104 | $47.58 | Building Trades referral, 603-944-2603 |
| Plumber/Pipefitter, Local 131 | $45.76 | Jesse Torosian, 603-315-2269 |
| Ironworker/Welder | $41.06–$58.65 | Building Trades referral |
| Insulator | $29.51–$59.02 | Building Trades referral |
| Glazier | $24.53–$49.06 | Building Trades referral |
| Construction Laborer | $25.00–$41.66 | Building Trades referral |
Direct Email Contacts
• Jon Webb, Electrical Apprenticeships: Training.Director@IBEW490.org
• Jesse Torosian, Plumbing and Pipefitting: JATC@ualu131.org
• Dave Spetchuli, Building Trades Referrals: 603-944-2603
• ApprenticeshipNH: apprenticeshipusanh@ccsnh.edu | 603-230-3527
The hourly figures above are previously published or reported rates, not guaranteed apprentice starting wages. Actual compensation depends on the employer, apprenticeship level, and applicable wage agreements. Contact details should be reconfirmed.
The accompanying flyers provide additional information on federal apprenticeships, employers, military careers, educational benefits, and training opportunities.
Formal Notice and Request for Response
Please consider this my formal notice that I intend to actively pursue this initiative to ensure that New Hampshire’s foster youth have direct access to these career, apprenticeship, and educational opportunities.
I am requesting a written response from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Division for Children, Youth and Families identifying the appropriate individual responsible for coordinating statewide distribution. I intend to follow through on this matter and am awaiting your response.
Respectfully,
Hon. Sean Morrison
- New Hampshire House of Representatives (Ret.), 2016–2019
- Former Member, House Labor Committee
- Former Member, House Child and Family Law Committee
- Former Chairman and Founder, NH House Veterans Caucus
- United States Army Veteran
- Retired Firefighter/Paramedic
- Former Foster Parent and Adoptive Parent
Sponsored and Co-Sponsored Legislation Supporting New Hampshire’s Youth, Including Best Interest of the Child, Foster Child Bill of Rights, and Foster Parent Bill of Rights Legislation
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