Skyjack provides vital STEP for veterans

Linamar Corporation’s Skyjack Division partnered with United Rentals in a Jobs for Veterans effort called STEP (Service-to-Employment Programme), which helps military veterans throughout the US transition from active duty to service technician careers.

The national programme provides service personnel with a month-long training course, followed by on-the-job training, and eventual job placement at a United Rentals location. Skyjack provides specific machine training during the course.

”Skyjack units are some of the most popular in our rental fleet, and it is very beneficial to have them provide training up front,” said Stephen Howe, service and maintenance training manager at United Rentals. “This program is a win-win for everyone involved. It helps us recruit people with technical skills and discipline, it helps Skyjack provide better technical support and it provides veterans with career opportunities.”

Skyjack provides two to three days of training during the veterans’ month long training course. During these days Skyjack hosts classes on specific machines including booms, scissor lifts, and vertical mast lifts.

“These veterans already have immense technical training on machines such as helicopters and other military vehicles. With a little assistance from Skyjack, it is very easy for them to transfer that knowledge to our machines,” said Dan Woodruff, service manager for Skyjack in North America.