If there was any doubt about the hunger for the skilled trades in Maine, Tuesday’s event put it to rest. Bring Back The Trades (BBTT) teamed up with Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) to bring the first-ever BBTT Skills Expo to the state. The event drew over 1,500 attendees eager to fill the gym floor and nearby parking lot to engage with 70 hands-on trades exhibits.

Presented by F.W. Webb Company, the Skills Expo gave students, teachers, and community members a front-row seat to the trades. Students operated excavators, tested their skills on virtual welding simulators, built birdhouses, and used professional Milwaukee Tool Propress tools to connect copper piping. Industry experts from across the region represented pathways in plumbing, HVAC, electrical, construction, cosmetology, allied health and more.

The strong turnout highlights a critical economic turning point. Research released by BBTT earlier this year revealed that 25% of jobs across seven core trades will be open by 2030, representing a staggering $325 billion national workforce gap.

“People talk about the projected workforce shortage like we can’t do anything about it,” said Steve Turner, CEO and founder of Bring Back The Trades. “But look at what happened Tuesday. We found many local employers ready to step up and invest in the next generation, and over 1,500 students who aren’t looking at the trades as a backup plan - they’re ready to get to work.”

Local and regional businesses rallied behind the event and helped BBTT grant $22,500 in scholarship awards to students Tuesday. The event drew in students from 33 regional schools, as well as home-schooled students and community members.

“Seeing our campus packed with students and local employers Tuesday showed just how excited the next generation is about opportunities in the skilled trades,” said Dr. Kristen Miller, president of Southern Maine Community College. “We were thrilled to host the Bring Back the Trades Skills Expo here on our South Portland campus. It was an incredible opportunity to help students take steps to build their futures.”

SMCC offers hands-on education and certifications in HVAC, automotive, construction, plumbing, electrical and more.

Local major industry representatives from F.W. Webb, SMCC, Casella Waste, Eastern Propane & Oil, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Lighthouse Credit Union, Milwaukee Tool and dozens more were on-site, offering a rare opportunity for attendees to network directly with the companies actively seeking to raise awareness about the lucrative, viable careers in the trades.

The South Portland success follows on the heels of BBTT’s recent sold-out Skills Expo in Londonderry, New Hampshire, proving that the organization's mission is spreading rapidly across New England. This growth is supported in large part by the event’s Title Sponsor F.W. Webb Company, which backs the Skills Expos and research work to better understand the workforce gap in the trades.

Ongoing BBTT opportunities

• Individual student scholarships are awarded each month.
• Public schools and nonprofit organizations can apply for tools through the BBTT Tool Grant Program. Sponsored by Milwaukee Tool, the program aims to support public school shop programs and non-profit initiatives with the professional-grade gear they need to train tomorrow's pros.

Upcoming events

• New Hampshire Bike Build Off (June 13-21, 2026): A hands-on showcase of skill and teamwork where
• students put their wrenching talents to the test building custom motorcycles.
• Grit to Grow Summit (June 22-24, 2026): A multi-day event built to bridge the gap between young adults and the industry. Over 100 students will head to Lakes Region Community College and the Inn at Mill Falls for workshops, networking cruises, and action-planning sessions with leaders in the trades, healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, and more. (Student spots are sold out; sponsorship opportunities are available.)
• BBTT Skills Expo in Marlborough, Massachusetts (October 29, 2026).