Rebuilding the Trades From the Ground Up: How JLG Is Investing in America’s Skilled Workforce

30 Second Takeaway

As skilled labor shortages continue to challenge construction and manufacturing, JLG Industries is taking a hands-on, people-first approach to rebuilding the trades. Through school-to-work programs, technical college partnerships, internal upskilling initiatives, and industry-wide training collaborations, JLG is not waiting for talent to appear—it’s actively creating the next generation of welders, technicians, operators, and manufacturing professionals across North America.

A Workforce Challenge Meets a Workforce Solution

Across the construction and manufacturing sectors, skilled labor shortages remain one of the industry’s most pressing issues. But at JLG Industries, the response hasn’t been reactiveit’s been intentional.

Rather than competing for a shrinking labor pool, the access equipment manufacturer is investing directly in people, education, and long-term career pathways. From high school classrooms to factory floors, JLG is rebuilding the industrial talent pipeline one student and one craft professional at a time.

“In America today, there are more students who want hands-on technical education than there are classroom seats available,” said Andy Tacelosky, Chief Operating Officer at JLG. “We saw an opportunity, not just to hire talent but to help create it.”

School-to-Work Programs Rooted in Local Communities

In Pennsylvania, JLG’s School-to-Work (S2W) program connects high school juniors and seniors with paid, credit-earning roles inside active manufacturing facilities. Students gain hands-on experience in welding, assembly, painting, fabrication, warehousing, and more while working alongside experienced professionals.

For those seeking deeper technical exposure, S2W+ expands opportunities into maintenance, robotics, machining, engineering, and testing roles, offering an early entry point into advanced manufacturing careers.

These programs allow students to earn income, build skills, and remain in the communities where they live while providing manufacturers with a growing pipeline of motivated, job-ready talent.

Bridging Education and Industry in Tennessee

In 2025, JLG extended its workforce development model through a partnership with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) near its Jefferson City manufacturing facility.

Students participating in the program split their time between the classroom and real-world factory environments, rotating across shifts and disciplines while supporting JLG’s maintenance operations.

“This is what modern technical education should look like,” Tacelosky said. “Students are learning in class and applying it in real-world situations the same day.”

Upskilling From Within: Investing in Today’s Workforce

While developing future talent is critical, JLG is equally focused on strengthening the skills of its current workforce.

Through internal Weld Trainee and Paint Trainee programs, entry-level employees and new hires can advance into some of manufacturing’s most in-demand roles. Participants receive classroom instruction, lab training, and on-the-job mentorship earning certifications and long-term career opportunities in the process.

“Instead of waiting for talent to come to us, we’re choosing to grow it,” said Tacelosky. “Building careers and strengthening our workforce for the future.”

Partnering Beyond the Factory Gates

JLG’s commitment to workforce development extends far beyond its own facilities. The company works closely with trade associations, unions, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, and rental providers to deliver certified training on MEWPs and telehandlers across North America.

Through JLG® University, thousands of workers receive operator training, service instruction, and ANSI/OSHA-compliant safety education each year—helping contractors build safer, more capable crews.

These partnerships reinforce a shared belief: solving the skilled labor shortage requires collaboration across the entire industry.

Building Careers, Not Just Filling Jobs

For JLG, workforce development isn’t a short-term initiativeit’s a long-term investment in people, communities, and the future of the trades.

“We’re not just preparing people for jobs,” said Tacelosky. “We’re helping them build meaningful careers.”

About JLG

JLG Industries, Inc. is a global leader in the development, manufacturing, and support of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers, widely recognized as one of the pioneers of modern access equipment. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, JLG introduced the world’s first self-propelled aerial work platform, fundamentally changing how work at height is performed across construction, industrial, infrastructure, and maintenance sectors.

Today, JLG’s product portfolio includes boom lifts, scissor lifts, vertical mast lifts, telehandlers, stock pickers, and specialty access equipment, designed to meet the demands of complex job sites while improving operator safety, productivity, and machine uptime. The company places strong emphasis on engineering innovation, incorporating advanced control systems, load-sensing technologies, telematics, and safety features that help operators work more efficiently in increasingly regulated environments.

JLG serves customers worldwide through an extensive global manufacturing, distribution, parts, and service network, ensuring equipment support throughout the full lifecycle of its machines. As part of Oshkosh Corporation, JLG benefits from shared engineering expertise and a broader commitment to industrial innovation, safety, and sustainability.

With a long-standing focus on operator training, equipment reliability, and evolving industry standards, JLG continues to play a central role in shaping best practices for access equipment use across construction, aviation, warehousing, energy, and heavy industry.

Learn more about JLG: 🔗 https://www.jlg.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is JLG investing so heavily in workforce development?

Skilled labor shortages impact safety, productivity, and long-term industry growth. JLG is proactively creating talent rather than competing for limited resources.

What is JLG’s School-to-Work program?

S2W allows high school students to earn school credit and wages while gaining hands-on manufacturing experience, with pathways into full-time careers.

How does JLG support current employees?

Through internal trainee programs focused on welding, painting, maintenance, and other high-demand skills, JLG helps employees advance their careers.

What role does JLG University play?

JLG University provides operator, service, and safety training to workers across North America, supporting safer jobsites and skilled crews.

How does this benefit the broader industry?

By partnering with associations, unions, and schools, JLG helps raise skill standards industry-wide while strengthening the future workforce.