Lawrence Companies, a 100% employee-owned company headquartered in Roanoke, has announced it has three apprenticeship programs for technicians that are certified by the United States Department of Labor and Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.
Many companies in the nation have encountered difficulties in hiring during the past year following the brunt of the pandemic. Lawrence Companies has increased technician’s pay twice in the past year to be competitive and retain its internal employees.
As successful as Lawrence Companies has been amongst its eight divisions, the hiring of skilled technicians to join its workforce has been a challenge. Chief Executive Officer, Warren Groseclose said, “We asked ourselves, how can we attract new talent by offering employment and training opportunities for individuals with a skill set who can be our next generation of leaders?”
That is when the Lawrence team developed a plan. Having three unique divisions with the ability to give hands-on training, work/life experiences and resources to individuals looking to develop a skill set is the beginning of combatting the hiring challenge. The company is hopeful that through the individual’s completion of the apprenticeship program the extension of full-time employment will be offered. The apprentice program gives an individual the ability to earn while they learn, instead of being burdened with student loan debt.
An individual that remains employed at Lawrence for 10 years potentially could be earning six-figure wages and have $100,000 worth of employee stock since Lawrence is an employee-owned company.
Upon completion of the program, the apprentice will be issued a “Journeyman Technician Certificate” from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
As part of the program, Lawrence will provide a toolbox with tools while the individual is enrolled in the apprentice program. Upon completion of the apprentice program, the toolbox and tools will be a graduation gift valued at $1,500 to $2,000.
Lawrence Equipment, a construction equipment dealer, will have opportunities learning diesel repair, service, and parts. Lawrence Trailer and Truck Equipment will have apprenticeships for upfit technicians, which would include welding, work truck body installation, parts, and repair. The Diesel Truck & Trailer Shops will have apprenticeship opportunities gaining experience in diesel maintenance, repair and parts.