This Old House Announces Generation NEXT Winners

Introducing the Generation NEXT Winners

This Old House has announced the winners of its Generation NEXT casting call, three exceptional young professionals who represent the future of the skilled trades industry. The initiative, designed to inspire and mentor the next generation of tradespeople, selected Bailey Beers, Austin Wilson, and Nathan Gilbert as the recipients of this prestigious opportunity. These winners will spend ten weeks working on the start of the 39th season of This Old House, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and mentorship from seasoned professionals in the construction industry.

The Generation NEXT program addresses a critical skills gap in America’s construction and trades sector. By providing real-world experience on an active renovation project, This Old House is taking a leadership position in encouraging young people to pursue fulfilling careers in the building trades. The three winners will join five additional apprentices from the Boston area as the entire team renovates and expands a historic 1,700-square-foot home in Newton, Massachusetts, originally built in 1879.

Meet the Winners

Bailey Beers: Building Construction Student

Bailey Beers, 18 years old, is a building construction student who earned his place among the Generation NEXT winners through his dedication and passion for the trades. At just 18 years old, Bailey demonstrates the enthusiasm and commitment that the trades industry desperately needs. His selection reflects his outstanding potential and his genuine interest in developing the technical skills necessary for a successful career in construction. As a building construction student, Bailey brings both formal education and practical ambition to the apprenticeship, positioning him to learn from some of the industry’s most respected professionals.

Austin Wilson: Construction Management Student

Austin Wilson, also 18 years old, is a construction management student who won his apprenticeship spot by showcasing exceptional potential in project oversight and planning. Austin’s background in construction management studies provides him with a unique perspective on how to coordinate complex renovation projects. At the Generation NEXT house in Newton, Austin will have the opportunity to apply his classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, learning how theory translates into practice on an active job site. His selection demonstrates This Old House’s commitment to supporting young professionals at various stages of their construction careers.

Nathan Gilbert: Experienced Finish Carpenter

Nathan Gilbert, 28 years old, is an accomplished finish carpenter who brings more experience than his fellow winners. Nathan’s selection highlights the program’s recognition that the trades need mentors and experienced professionals who can help guide the next generation. As a finish carpenter, Nathan specializes in the detailed, precision-oriented work that transforms a construction project into a finished home. His inclusion among the winners underscores that the Generation NEXT initiative values both emerging talent and experienced tradespeople who can contribute to the educational mission of the program.

The Newton Generation NEXT House Project

Project Overview and Scope

The three winners will work on the Newton, Massachusetts house, which serves as the flagship project for the 39th season of This Old House. The homeowners, Liz and Joe, recently inherited the 1,700-square-foot home from Liz’s mother. This inheritance prompted a comprehensive renovation and expansion project designed to meet the family’s current needs and accommodate Joe’s retiring parents.

Planned Renovations and Additions

The Newton project encompasses several significant improvements and expansions that will provide excellent learning opportunities for the apprentices:

– Larger kitchen with modern amenities and improved workflow- New mudroom for better entry management and storage- Dedicated laundry room for convenience and functionality- Expanded master suite for the homeowners’ comfort- Complete HVAC system overhaul for improved climate control- Installation of a wood-burning stove for ambiance and supplemental heating- New garage for vehicle storage and protection- Bedroom suite addition for Joe’s parents, who are retiring and want to spend more time with the family

These diverse projects ensure that the apprentices will gain exposure to multiple trades and specialties, from structural work to finishing details, electrical systems to HVAC installation.

The Generation NEXT Initiative: Bridging the Skills Gap

Mission and Objectives

This Old House launched the Generation NEXT initiative to address the declining number of people entering the building trades. The program seeks to revive waning interest in skilled construction work by highlighting the value, authenticity, and career potential of these professions. According to Eric Thorkilsen, CEO of This Old House Ventures, “The allure of building a house, and indeed the appeal of This Old House on television, has always been that it is such an authentic, hands-on, personal pursuit.” By featuring real apprentices working on actual projects, the program demonstrates that construction careers offer genuine fulfillment and long-term opportunity.

Multi-Platform Approach to Awareness

Generation NEXT uses a comprehensive, multi-platform strategy to engage young people and their families:

– Television programming on This Old House featuring apprentices in action- Magazine articles and features highlighting apprentice experiences- Web content showcasing career pathways and success stories- On-camera documentation of the learning process and skill development- Community events and hands-on demonstrations

This integrated approach ensures maximum visibility and impact, reaching potential future tradespeople through channels they actively use and trust.

Partnerships and Support Systems

Collaboration with mikeroweWORKS Foundation

This Old House proudly supports the mikeroweWORKS Foundation through the Generation NEXT campaign. Together, these organizations work to close the skills gap by encouraging younger generations to master the vocational trades that built America. The partnership demonstrates This Old House’s commitment to systemic change in how society values and supports skilled trades careers. By reaching out to companies and organizations for donations to support scholarship programs, This Old House is mobilizing resources to make trade careers more accessible to young people from all backgrounds.

Community Involvement and Local Apprentices

Beyond the three national winners, the Newton project welcomes five additional apprentices from the Boston area. This local component ensures community investment in the project and provides opportunities for regional talent development. Local contractors and subcontractors bring in their own apprentices, creating a rich learning environment where experienced professionals share their knowledge with the next generation.

Success Stories from Past Generation NEXT Apprentices

Kevin Barker: From Apprentice to Accomplished Finish Carpenter

Kevin Barker represents one of the program’s success stories, having progressed from a Generation NEXT apprentice to an accomplished finish carpenter. His trajectory demonstrates the real career advancement opportunities available to those who commit to the skilled trades.

Catherine Fulton: Building Toward a Sustainable Future

Catherine Fulton, another past apprentice, is now studying construction management in Florida with a focus on green building. Her career path illustrates how Generation NEXT apprentices often go on to pursue advanced education and specialization within the construction industry.

Nathan Gilbert: From Apprentice to Business Owner

Notably, Nathan Gilbert, one of the current winners, has already achieved success as a business owner with his own construction company. He has also become a regular contributor to “Ask This Old House,” where he provides expert guidance on home improvement projects. His dual role as both apprentice mentor and successful tradesperson exemplifies the program’s ability to nurture talent that reaches the highest levels of the industry.

Mary McGuire Henson: Teaching the Next Generation

Mary McGuire Henson, a former Generation NEXT participant, has transitioned into an instructor role, teaching building skills to students. Her career change from a successful cake business to full-time instruction in the trades reflects the genuine passion and career satisfaction that skilled trades can provide.

Addressing the Skills Gap in America

The Problem: Declining Interest in Trades

America faces a significant shortage of skilled tradespeople. The number of people entering the building trades has declined steadily, creating a gap between demand and available talent. This shortage affects construction companies’ ability to take on projects, delays renovation work, and leaves many communities without adequate access to skilled professionals for maintenance and repair work.

Why the Shortage Exists

Several factors contribute to the declining interest in skilled trades among young people:

– Cultural perception that college degrees are the only path to success- Lack of visibility regarding trade career opportunities and earning potential- Limited exposure to the actual work and satisfaction of construction careers- Inadequate mentorship and apprenticeship opportunities- Insufficient information about the long-term stability and growth potential of trade careers

Generation NEXT as a Solution

By providing paid apprenticeships, hands-on experience on high-profile projects, and mentorship from industry experts, Generation NEXT directly addresses these barriers. The program demonstrates that skilled trades offer authentic, fulfilling careers with excellent earning potential and job security.

The 10-Week Apprenticeship Experience

What Apprentices Learn

During their ten weeks on the Newton project, Bailey, Austin, and Nathan will develop comprehensive construction skills across multiple disciplines. They will learn not only technical execution but also project coordination, safety protocols, material selection, problem-solving, and professional communication—all critical elements of success in the construction industry.

Mentorship and Professional Development

Working alongside This Old House crew members and experienced contractors, the apprentices receive personalized mentorship from some of the industry’s most respected professionals. This direct exposure to high-quality craftsmanship and professional standards accelerates their learning and helps them develop the habits and mindsets necessary for long-term success.

Beyond Technical Skills

The apprenticeship emphasizes teamwork, project planning, and the behind-the-scenes coordination that makes construction projects successful. As one past apprentice noted, “I always had an appreciation for the actual construction of a house, but I never realized how much behind the scenes stuff goes into it. It was a great experience, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Career Pathways in the Skilled Trades

Diverse Opportunities

The skilled trades encompass far more than general carpentry. Specialized fields include finish carpentry, HVAC systems, electrical work, roofing, plumbing, masonry, and numerous other disciplines. Each specialty offers distinct career trajectories, earning potential, and lifestyle options.

Entrepreneurship in the Trades

Many skilled tradespeople transition from employment to business ownership, as Nathan Gilbert has demonstrated. Starting a construction company or contracting business provides the opportunity for greater income, independence, and community impact. The skills developed in an apprenticeship serve as the foundation for successful entrepreneurship in the trades.

Continuing Education and Specialization

As Catherine Fulton’s example shows, skilled trades professionals often pursue further education and specialization. Green building, sustainable construction, restoration work, and project management represent growth areas within the construction industry where tradespeople can expand their expertise and earning potential.

The Broader Impact of Generation NEXT

Media Representation and Cultural Shift

By prominently featuring apprentices on national television through This Old House, Generation NEXT changes cultural narratives about skilled trades. Young people see themselves represented, understand the real satisfaction and earning potential of construction careers, and gain inspiration to pursue similar paths.

Supporting Young People and Opportunity Youth

This Old House’s partnership with YouthBuild USA demonstrates the program’s commitment to supporting opportunity youth—young adults between 16 and 24 who are neither in school nor employed. By providing paid apprenticeships and mentorship, Generation NEXT creates tangible pathways out of difficult circumstances and toward stable, fulfilling careers.

Long-Term Economic and Social Benefits

Addressing the skills gap benefits society broadly. When construction projects have adequate skilled labor, they proceed more efficiently, homes are built and renovated to higher standards, and communities benefit from improved housing stock and infrastructure. Additionally, young people who enter the trades earn good livings, build careers that cannot be outsourced, and contribute to their communities’ development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I apply for the Generation NEXT apprenticeship program?

A: This Old House periodically announces casting calls for Generation NEXT apprenticeships. Interested applicants should monitor the This Old House website and social media channels for announcements about future opportunities. Requirements typically include demonstrated interest in the trades, commitment to learning, and willingness to relocate or travel for the apprenticeship duration.

Q: Is the Generation NEXT apprenticeship paid?

A: Yes, Generation NEXT apprenticeships are paid positions. Selected apprentices receive compensation for their work and learning during the apprenticeship period, typically ranging from several weeks to several months depending on the project.

Q: What age groups can apply for Generation NEXT?

A: While specific age requirements may vary by program cycle, Generation NEXT generally welcomes applicants ranging from high school students to young adults in their twenties. The program particularly encourages applications from opportunity youth and those from underrepresented backgrounds in the trades.

Q: What skills will I learn during the apprenticeship?

A: Apprentices gain exposure to multiple construction disciplines including carpentry, framing, finishing, electrical work, HVAC systems, and project coordination. Specific skills depend on the project scope and the apprentice’s role within the team.

Q: Can Generation NEXT lead to a permanent career in construction?

A: Absolutely. The apprenticeship provides the foundation and credentials for pursuing long-term careers in the skilled trades. Many past apprentices have gone on to establish their own businesses, specialize in particular trades, or pursue supervisory and management roles within construction companies.