experienced workers. JLG’ s Weld Trainee Program provides entry-level team members and external candidates with the opportunity to become certified welders. Participants complete three to four weeks of classroom and lab-based instruction, followed by three weeks of on-the-job training alongside experienced JLG welders. To date, JLG has had about 56 internal and 41 external trainees go through the weld trainee program.
Similarly, the Paint Trainee Program is designed to develop industrial painters from within the workforce. Through handson training and mentorship, participants gain the skills needed to move into full-time painter roles. To date, JLG has hosted three rounds of the program with four internal trainees and five external trainees.
“ Welding and painting require skill, safety and precision and these are often some of the most difficult roles in manufacturing to fill,” Tacelosky related.
“ Instead of waiting for talent to come to us, we’ re building careers and strengthening our workforce for the future.”
Partnering to Build the Industry
JLG’ s workforce commitment goes beyond its own facilities. The company partners with trade associations, unions, training schools and equipment rental providers to upskill craft professionals across North America in operating and servicing MEWPs( mobile elevating work platforms) and telehandlers.
These partnerships include organizations such as the Associated Builders & Contractors( ABC), Association of General Contractors( AGC), Association of the Wall & Ceiling Industry( AWCI), Mason Contractors Association of America( MCAA), Steel Erectors Association of America( SEAA), trade unions, community colleges and correctional / vocational programs.
Creating the Future
“ We know we can’ t solve the skilled labor shortage on our own,” Tacelosky said.“ That’ s why we’ re partnering with trade associations, unions, technical schools and industry groups to help bring real-world equipment, certified training and industry standards directly to the people who need it most.
“ Working alongside these organizations, we’ re not just training people; we’ re helping them build lasting careers,” Tacelosky continued.“ It’ s good for workers, it’ s good for employers and it’ s good for the future of the trades.
“ These investments are not short-term initiatives,” Tacelosky added.“ They are part of a long-term vision. We’ re not just preparing people for jobs. We’ re helping them build meaningful careers, and in doing so helping strengthen the trades, the industry and our communities.”
Through partnerships with schools, associations and industry organizations, JLG is helping students discover careers in the trades while giving current workers opportunities to advance their craft. Included are maintenance professionals, service technicians and equipment operators.
www. contractorshotline. com February 20, 2026 15