Program Manager, Workforce Development & Skilled Trades Training

Job Description

Job Description

Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety

At Kelso Industries, 3,500+ employees across 30 companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.

Recruiter Notice: We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates. We only accept direct applications.

We are hiring a Program Manager to architect and scale workforce development and training programs that support the long-term talent needs of our MEP-aligned operating companies. This role will own the strategy and execution of trade education, workforce upskilling, and external funding initiatives designed to strengthen our skilled labor pipeline nationwide.

The ideal candidate brings experience building hands-on training programs, partnering with operational leaders, and translating workforce strategy into measurable business outcomes. This position plays a critical role in ensuring our companies have access to qualified, job-ready talent today and in the future.

What You'll Do

• Lead the development and operation of a trade education and training academy focused on producing job-ready talent for MEP-related roles.

• Create structured learning pathways to enhance the skills, certifications, and career progression of existing employees.

• Establish and maintain multiple talent feeder channels through partnerships with technical schools, community organizations, military transition programs, and industry groups.

• Research, pursue, and manage grants, subsidies, and other funding sources that offset training and workforce development costs.

• Partner closely with operations, HR, and business leadership to ensure programs align with workforce demand and project requirements.

• Define success metrics and reporting frameworks to evaluate program effectiveness, retention, and return on investment.

• Oversee budgets, timelines, vendors, and resources associated with training and workforce initiatives.

• Serve as an internal champion for workforce development while representing the organization externally with education and workforce partners.

• Select, implement, and manage a Learning Management System (LMS) to support training delivery and track participation and outcomes for both students and employees.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Education, Business, Workforce Development, or a related discipline; advanced degree preferred.

• Demonstrated experience leading workforce development, training, or large-scale talent programs within skilled trades, construction, or MEP-adjacent industries.

• Working knowledge of vocational training models, apprenticeships, and alternative talent pipelines such as military transition programs and career/technical education.

• Understanding of adult learning methodologies, trade credentialing, and workforce career ladders.

• Experience managing training budgets, external funding, or grant-supported programs.

• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and program management capabilities.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership, HR partners, and operational teams.

• Proven track record of launching programs and using data to measure and improve outcomes.

• Hands-on experience evaluating, implementing, and continuously improving Learning Management Systems.

Preferred Experience

• Direct exposure to recruiting, training, or developing skilled trade roles including electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, and similar disciplines.

• Familiarity with ATS, CRM, or recruiting technologies used to support workforce initiatives.

• Military background or experience working with veteran-focused employment and training programs.

Why Join Kelso Industries?

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.

Here you will experience:

Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.

Company Culture: You'll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.

Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.

Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You'll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being.

Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business