Lippert Sparks Technical Talent Growth with Statewide Upskilling Program

Lippert, a leading manufacturer of components for RVs, boats, and manufactured housing, has rapidly scaled its workforce development efforts over the past two and a half years, transforming how team members access technical education and career advancement opportunities.

From chassis and axles for recreational vehicles to furniture, windows, and marine accessories, Lippert’s diverse product portfolio demands a highly skilled workforce. Recognizing this need, the company launched its first upskilling initiative in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College in Elkhart County. The pilot program, focused on smart automation, enrolled twelve pioneering team members and laid the foundation for what would become a company-wide model.

“We branded it ‘Lippert Wednesdays,’” said Matthew Jerlecki, Director of Workforce Development at Lippert. “Every Wednesday for eight weeks, team members leave their facility at noon, grab lunch, and attend class from 1 to 5 PM. It’s designed to be flexible, family-friendly, and operationally sustainable.”

Lippert covers all tuition, books, and exam fees, removing financial barriers for participants. While hourly team members aren’t paid during class time, the company works with them to adjust schedules, allowing extra hours on other days to maintain full-time compensation.

“Earning my SHRM certification is a milestone that represents both professional growth and personal resilience,” said Sophia Jones, Human Resources Leader at Lippert. “As a first-time mom balancing new motherhood with my career, achieving this through the support of my company makes it especially meaningful. It’s a reminder that I can invest in myself while building a strong future for my family."

The program offers nationally recognized certifications, including OSHA 30, SSGI Yellow Belt, and Smart Automation (SOKA), along with courses in basic electricity, welding, hydraulics, pneumatics, HR, languages, and more. Industrial sewing and quality control training are set to launch this fall.

“Our success rate is high because everybody’s winning,” Jerlecki explained. “Team members gain valuable skills, operational leaders get upskilled talent, and colleges receive direct investment. Everyone benefits, including the state, which sees its citizens earning more, contributing more, and staying in Indiana.”

Lippert’s investment in talent development has also boosted employee engagement and retention. In 2023, the company trained 372 team members. That number grew to 520 in 2024 and is projected to exceed 1,000 this year.

By investing in its people, Lippert is not only future-proofing its operations but also reinforcing its commitment to being a force for good, one team member at a time.

To learn more about Lippert visit LippertUniversity.com.