Above and Right: Through a partnership with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology( TCAT), JLG is integrating technical education with real-world factory experience. At five manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania, the company’ s School-to-Work( S2W) program allows high school juniors and seniors to earn credit while working paid roles in welding, assembly, painting, fabrication and warehouse support
solve real problems, but the classroom alone can’ t always give them that experience. Through S2W and S2W +, students earn school credit, a paycheck and the chance to work alongside experienced professionals.”
“ JLG is not just in the business of manufacturing lifts,” said Bradley Ocker, director of career and community partnerships at Chambersburg Area Senior High School in Pennsylvania.“ It is elevating the next generation of skilled workers. Working with our school since 2018, JLG has assisted in improved student attendance, behaviors and academic performance, which all lead to increased graduation rates. JLG’ s School-to-Work program creates economic security for every student employee.”
TCAT Partnership
Starting in 2025, JLG established a partnership with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology( TCAT), which is near the company’ s manufacturing facility in Jefferson City, Tennessee, to integrate technical education with realworld factory experience. After campus visits, interviews and plant tours, several students are now working part-time on JLG’ s maintenance team while attending school, learning from specialists across multiple disciplines.
“ This is what modern technical education should look like,” said Tacelosky.“ Students are learning in class and applying it in real-world situations the same day.”
“ Our partnership with TCAT Morristown provides students with valuable industry experience while developing future talent in the community,” said Amanda Heinbaugh, HR director at JLG.“ TCAT students have been eager to learn, quick to adapt and appreciative of the variety of projects they’ ve had the chance to support. It’ s been a great experience for both them and our team.”
Upskilling the Trades
While JLG is committed to developing future talent through schools, the company is equally focused on investing in those already working in the trades. Through its internal trainee programs, JLG is helping current team members and new hires advance into high-demand skilled positions, particularly in areas including welding and industrial painting where manufacturers across the country struggle to hire
14 February 20, 2026 www. contractorshotline. com