LAWRENCE LAUNCHES CERTIFIED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS

June 7, 2022 Reader Submission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAWRENCE LAUNCHES CERTIFIED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS
Roanoke, VA – Lawrence Companies, a 100% employee-owned company headquartered in Roanoke, VA,
is pleased to announce 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 states, “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 6-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 State 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.
About Lawrence Companies:
Founded in 1932 and headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia, Lawrence Companies is a 100 percent
employee-owned business with eight primary divisions: Moving and Storage, Data Management,
Truckload and Flatbed Freight, Construction Equipment, Heavy Haul, Roll-off Container Services,
Logistics, and Work Truck Bodies. In addition to the Roanoke location, there are branches in
Waynesboro, Fishersville, Winchester, Lynchburg, Suffolk and Richmond, Virginia as well as Greensboro
and Wilmington, North Carolina. For more information, please visit lawrencecompanies.com.