Hands-On Training matter expert and instructor with GCI.“ We actually call it an educational experience. We want it to be an experience. That’ s what I tell all of our candidates. I’ d much rather answer candidates’ real-world questions than read from a PowerPoint all day.”
Class sizes are intentionally limited, allowing instructors to adapt lessons on the fly based on participants’ performance. Interactive tools reinforce exam prep and highlight areas that need extra attention, while discussions often draw on real-world experiences shared by operators from a variety of industries.
These conversations also encourage peer learning, helping operators see how safety standards are applied in practice.
“ If candidates have a real-world question or real-world scenario that they’ re not sure if they handled it right, now’ s the time to ask about it and now’ s the time to talk about it,” Sarah Elisabeth, COO of GCI, added.“ Because they’ re in a room not just with the instructor’ s experience, but they’ re also in a room with other people who bring sometimes 20 to 30 years
of experience.”
By combining hands-on practice with real-world examples, GCI aims to give candidates the knowledge and confidence to uphold safety requirements and serve as informed advocates on their crews.
Customized Training
GCI builds training programs around the needs of both the employer and the individual operator. Seat time and classroom instruction are adjusted based on experience: some trainees may only need limited hands-on practice, while others benefit from additional crane time to strengthen their foundation.
Rather than offering one-size-fitsall programs, GCI works directly with employers to match training to specific equipment and job requirements. That might mean extra seat time for newer operators or more educational focus on standards and procedures, depending on what the job calls for.
“ We are custom to our clients’ needs,” continued Elisabeth.“ We have some
clients who come in, and they only need an hour of seat time because they have a crane at their job that they run every day. And then we have people who, for their company, might get in a crane once a week or once a month or once every three months.”
This flexibility lets trainees concentrate on the skills they need most, while companies gain operators who are confident, capable and ready to step onto the jobsite.
Expanding Access
As part of its broader strategy, GCI is developing a four-week New Operator Program aimed at beginners and career changers, with a planned launch in August 2026. The program addresses a common hurdle for new operators: limited access to crane seat time when companies are hesitant to put inexperienced workers on expensive equipment.
“ We’ re working on launching our New Operator Program, that’ s going to take people who are just trying to get into a career path,” Elisabeth shared.“ So this could be younger people who have just
WE ARE PASSION, BUILT LIKE FAMILY, DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE.
DEMAC S. R. L. | MAGENTA( MI)- ITALY | + 39 02 9784488 | INFO @ DEMAC. IT | WWW. DEMAC. IT
www. cranehotline. com • February 2026 31