Crane manufacturer Manitowoc is launching a new apprenticeship program for welders in Pennsylvania, where the company has a significant manufacturing operation.
The program, which follows recent approval from the state’s labor department, was expected to be running this August, the company said in a July news release.
Manitowoc relies on skilled welders to create its Manitowoc brand crawler cranes, Grove brand mobile cranes, and National brand boom trucks — all manufactured in Shady Grove, Pa., the release noted.
“With the launch of the welder apprenticeship program, we hope to address one of the toughest challenges our industry faces: attracting skilled workers,” the release quoted Barry Pennypacker, president and CEO of The Manitowoc Company Inc. “We’re creating a career path for potential employees into our company, because having trained welders helps us produce durable and reliable cranes.”
The new program, which is also expected to boost economic activity in Shady Grove, will be held in conjunction with Lincoln Electric Company and Hagerstown Community College. The program will include paths for structural welder and welder fabricator certifications.
“Shady Grove and the surrounding Pennsylvania region is an integral part of Manitowoc’s success,” Pennypacker said. “Many of our skilled workers, and a majority of our employees in general, come from the region.”