EquipmentShare expands apprenticeships programme

US rental company EquipmentShare is expanding its US Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship programme to include commercial driver’s license (CDL) training in Central Florida and Central California, having launched the programme in Texas.

The company said the move reflected its mission “to build the future of construction” not only through equipment solutions but by developing a pipeline of safety-conscious professionals.

The expanded CDL program will support up to 50 apprentices in 2025 in Texas, Florida and California. Each participant will complete nine weeks of customised training, including classroom instruction, loading and unloading equipment, shadow driving and mentorship.

When training is completed, apprentices will be assigned to an EquipmentShare branch and complete additional hands-on training with a veteran driver who has a spotless safety record.

“This program is a triple win,” said Cody Brown, director of field human resources at EquipmentShare. “We train new drivers using the safest practices in the industry, give apprentices a path to meaningful careers with ongoing education and ensure our customers are supported by the best-trained drivers delivering their equipment.”

Jabbok Schlacks, CEO and co-founder of EquipmentShare, added; “If we want to transform the construction industry, we have to start by investing in the people who make it run — employees who are trained the right way, from day one.

“That means developing the safest and most qualified drivers in the industry. Through partnerships with local workforce development organizations, EquipmentShare is creating meaningful careers for these critical roles.”

10 year anniversary

The expansion of the apprenticeship programme comes as EquipmentShare celebrates its 10-year anniversary and the recent opening of a Technology Development Center (TDC) in Columbia, Missouri.

The TDC, which is located next to the company’s main campus, will house the research and development, engineering, and learning and development teams.

These groups will collaborate to design and test new technology, train staff, and power the company’s T3 operating system, said EquipmentShare. The facility includes an Uptime Center that monitors the performance of the rental fleet in real time.

“Columbia has always been our home”, said Jabbok Schlacks, “and we’re proud to keep investing in the place and people who helped launch our journey.”