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Workforce Development man basket or sit in the operator cab running the crane. By creating advocates in education, we can reach many more people.”
The company also partners with local CTE programs.
“ We bring cranes and rigging equipment to their facilities for hands-on lessons, and we also host them at our facility,” said McNally-Wininger.“ Seeing the resources our technicians have and the technology on the equipment is a great introduction to becoming a crane technician.”
She notes that partnering with CTE programs is the quickest way to see results, since 16 to 18 year olds will deciding on careers in the near future and hands-on experiences increase their desire to explore the crane industry.
Workforce development is not new McNally-Nimergood. It has given highschool students the chance to learn about the industry for decades. In fact, many of its operators started working for the company while in high school.
Crewtek
Crewtek is a non-profit trade school that
not only teaches heavy equipment operation and load-handling activities, but also helps students learn well-rounded life skills, says Jonathan Daniels, Crewtek’ s national director of student services.
Its eight-week training program builds a foundation for aspiring professionals getting started in the skilled trades.
Crewtek’ s program includes a range of certifications and hands-on experience with heavy equipment, from mobile cranes to telehandlers and skylifts, and it concludes with help matching graduates with jobs.
The organization was cofounded by Industrial Training International( ITI), Barnhart and other partners that train and employ skilled workers around the globe.
Although each company has its own recruiting and development programs, they envisioned Crewtek as a more comprehensive, industry-neutral solution.
Rather than focusing on a specific piece of equipment or specific career path, Crewtek provides ground-level training and exposure to various equipment types with a focus on safety, communication and teamwork.
Graduates work both in unions and in companies in professional roles that range from wire rope manufacturing to heavy equipment operation.
Crewtek students can be anyone willingness to commit themselves to the training, from recent high-school graduates to midlevel professionals looking to advance their careers or take a new path.
Most are in their early to mid 20s, but the company can serve anyone with the mindset to succeed in the skilled trades.
“ Our trainees typically graduate with a core set of certifications including CCO Mobile Crane Operator, Rigger I & Signalperson, Forklift, Telehandler & MEWP Operator, Equipment Spotter and OSHA 10 Fall Protection Authorized User,” said Daniels.
Since community outreach is vital, Crewtek is an active member of the chambers of commerce both in Houston, Texas, and Woodland, Washington, where it has campuses.
In addition, it sits on CTE advisory councils, and participates in local career fairs and community events, from Dozer Days to farmers markets.
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