JACKSON, MN—Tractor manufacturer AGCO is launching an apprenticeship program at its assembly plant here to train and recruit badly needed electrical mechanics and welders.

Fueled in part by state incentives, the program will start with four apprentices and grow to 20, officials said. Some of those hired will be trained to program or repair the company’s large, high-tech and customized agricultural machinery. Others will be trained to work on many of the robotic assembly systems that help build AGCO’s massive and complex farm vehicles.