JCB Begins Skilled Welder Assessments in San Antonio

Collaboration with South Texas Vocational Technical Institute supports development of core manufacturing team for new facility.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Sept.2, 2026 – JCB and South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (STVT) launched a new workforce partnership Aug. 27 with pre-employment weld assessments for 22 candidates. The event marks a major milestone for JCB as it prepares to hire the first skilled welders for its South Side manufacturing facility. Those selected will join the core team establishing production processes and shaping the culture of the new operation.

The collaboration pairs JCB’s growing need for manufacturing employees with STVT’s focus on preparing local talent for careers in the trades. The assessment is the first step in a relationship designed to connect JCB with skilled workers as hiring expands in San Antonio. 

Connecting Local Talent With Manufacturing Careers

The assessments took place at STVT’s San Antonio facility, where candidates used the school’s welding equipment to demonstrate their skills. JCB supplied the testing materials, while JCB group leaders administered and evaluated the assessments. 

For STVT, opening its facility to JCB created a direct link between skilled talent and a growing local employer. 

“Providing opportunities for skilled tradespeople to demonstrate their abilities directly to employers is an important part of connecting education and skill development with meaningful careers,” said Vanessa Daniels, President, SVTV. “We’re proud to partner with JCB as they grow in San Antonio and create new opportunities for skilled talent right here in our community.”

For JCB, the partnership provides access to a diverse talent pool, from people beginning their careers to experienced tradespeople looking for their next opportunity. 

“STVT brings together people with different backgrounds, experiences and career paths, and that’s incredibly valuable as we build our team in San Antonio,” said Charles Johnson, Welding Engineering Fabrication, JCB . “We want a workforce that brings a range of skills and perspectives to JCB. Partners like STVT help us reach that talent locally and build a strong pipeline for the future.”

A New Chapter for JCB in San Antonio

The assessments come as JCB prepares to open its new $500 million manufacturing facility in San Antonio. The investment, the largest in company history, is expected to create 1,500 jobs as the operation grows. 

The first skilled manufacturing hires signal a new phase for the project and the local community. Preparing to begin production in the fourth quarter, JCB is shifting its focus from building the physical operation to assembling the workforce that will bring it to life. 

“These employees have an opportunity that doesn’t come along very often – the chance to join a manufacturing operation at the very beginning,” said Brandy Ramirez, Recruiting Supervisor, JCB. “They’ll have a voice in the culture we create, the way we work together and the standards we set for the teams that follow. We’re grateful to STVT for opening its doors to JCB and for sharing our commitment to creating opportunities for skilled talent here in San Antonio.” 

Employees selected from the initial assessments will begin training ahead of production. JCB expects to add more welding and skilled manufacturing positions in the fourth quarter as the operation grows. 

To explore career opportunities with JCB and apply for available positions, visit our hiring page here.