JCB North America manufactures skid steer loaders, compact track loaders and construction equipment for defense customers, and markets a range of more than 300 JCB machines via 120 dealers across the region. In 2011, JCB introduced the region’s first manufacturing apprenticeship program designed to increase the skilled labor workforce at the company’s headquarters in Pooler.
“The Apprenticeship Program began with five apprentices and has successfully developed into a thriving program providing JCB with a highly qualified, internal pipeline of future employees and leaders,” said Tonya Poole, vice president of Human Resources for JCB North America. “This year’s recruitment fair has returned the most talented applicant pool we’ve seen to date and we’re excited to interview these candidates and select our next class of Apprentices.”
JCB’s five-year Apprenticeship Program accepts graduating high school seniors who are interested in obtaining a manufacturing related two-year associate degree at Savannah Tech. The JCB curriculum includes business awareness training, manufacturing foundations and on-the-job training. Apprentices rotate through several areas of manufacturing operations including Fabrication, Purchasing, Product Control and Assembly.
While earning their associate degree, Apprentices are considered full-time JCB employees and receive compensation and benefits such as health, dental and eye insurance, retirement benefits and paid time off.