Recruitment today isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about fostering long-term growth, engagement, and loyalty. To truly stand out in a competitive labor market, businesses must think beyond job postings and start building pathways for personal and professional development from day one.
Companies that integrate career advancement, continuous learning, and upskilling into their hiring and retention strategies can attract top-tier candidates and turn them into long-term team members who feel invested in the mission.
BUILDING THE OUTDOOR WORKFORCE PIPELINE
To grow New Hampshire’s workforce, businesses should consider supporting the development of the next generation of talent. One of the most effective strategies is to build partnerships between educational institutions, nonprofits, and fellow businesses to create career pathways
that are aligned with the values and skills of the that industry according to State of New Hampshire
2023 Workforce Assessment.
FIELD NOTES: Project Bike Tech in Littleton allows CTE students to partner with local businesses like Littleton Bike & Fitness for real-world experience in the bike industry.
PRO TIP: Employers can collaborate with established programs like CTE and
ApprenticeshipNH to expand workforce development opportunities
“So many students are involved in outdoor recreation but do not realize — and that’s
the point of all this — that they can make a career out of whatever sport they love,”
- Virginia Schrader, Former Director of Kennett High School’s CTE Program in Conway, NH
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Start with a clear roadmap. When new employees join, show them not only the role they’re stepping into but also the possibilities for dvancement. According to
NH Economic Recovery & Expansion Strategy, investing in the next generation of workers is essential to sustain the state’s current economic trajectory. Support employees’ growth with conferences, memberships, or tuition reimbursement programs that align with their interests. These may also qualify for pre- or post-tax deductions.
RESOURCE: WorkInvestNH is a large state grant available to all business for workforce development in New Hampshire.
“We provide bi-annual in-house training for IMCS guides. Guides are paid
hourly for their day, and it includes lunch.”
- Lisa McCoy, International Mountain Climbing School
NETWORKING
With in-person engagement becoming increasingly rare, outdoor experiences offer a powerful way to reconnect. Seek out networking opportunities that incorporate unique outdoor excursions—moving beyond traditional cocktail hour formats to foster authentic connections
with like-minded businesses and professionals.
FIELD NOTES: Rocktails & Streams, an event series hosted by
Granite Outdoor Alliance, connects professionals through unique outdoor excursions.