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Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn Sterling Crane USA Engages Students in Career Outreach
Sterling Crane USA recently partnered with the Construction Careers Academy in San Antonio, Texas, to provide students with hands-on learning and career exploration opportunities. The academy offers a construction-focused academic program designed to prepare students for both employment in the industry and continued education.
During the event, students heard from industry professionals, including Branch Manager Trace O’ Brien, Crane Operator Ben Kenkel and Crane Rigger Diego Acuna. The speakers shared insights into their career paths and discussed opportunities within the crane and rigging sector.
In addition to school partnerships, Sterling Crane USA participates in community outreach initiatives aimed at introducing younger audiences to construction equipment and careers. Events such as“ Touch a Truck” provide opportunities for children and families to interact with cranes and other heavy equipment.
According to Sterling Crane, these efforts not only strengthen local communities but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and success of the construction industry.
NCCCO Foundation Publishes Recruitment Playbook for Crane Industry
The NCCCO Foundation has released a new recruitment playbook designed to help crane companies and contractors strategically attract and retain skilled employees. Developed in collaboration with communications and consulting firm SmallBox, the playbook aims to move the industry from traditional word-of-mouth hiring toward scalable, long-term recruitment strategies.
The playbook emphasizes core operator attributes such as problem-solving, focus, accountability and attention to detail rather than focusing solely on job titles or credentials. It provides tailored recruitment strategies for three key audiences: women in trades, truck drivers with CDLs and construction workers transitioning to crane operations.
Grounded in research, operator insights and real-world testing, the tool offers a practical framework for expanding outreach while maintaining the profession’ s skill and safety standards. The
resource includes messaging, visuals and videos to help employers implement the strategies effectively.
The recruitment playbook is available for free download at the NCCCO Foundation’ s workforce awareness site.
United Rentals Introduces AI Equipment Agent for Rental Planning
United Rentals has launched a new artificial intelligence tool designed to help customers identify equipment for jobsite applications and rental planning.
The company announced the introduction of its Equipment Agent, an AI-powered assistant that provides equipment recommendations based on a customer’ s project requirements.
Users can describe project needs through a conversational interface and receive suggested equipment options along with specifications such as capacity, reach, terrain limitations and required accessories.
According to United Rentals, the system is designed to simplify the equipment discovery process by providing recommendations earlier in project planning.
The tool links directly to product pages on the United Rentals website, allowing customers to review equipment details and move from research to reservation.
United Rentals said the Equipment Agent was developed using real customer questions and refined through testing by the company’ s sales and equipment experts.
The launch is part of the company’ s broader technology strategy, which focuses on integrating digital tools, connected equipment and data insights to support project planning and operations.
PEOPLE
• TVH Americas announced that Chief Operations Officer Tanja Dysli has been ranked among the Top 100 Women in Supply Chain by the international publication
Dysli
Supply Chain Digital. The recognition highlights senior executives shaping the scale and direction of companies worldwide.
The ranking evaluates leadership responsibility, organizational impact and industry influence. Dysli joined TVH in October 2025 after 24 years at IKEA, where she served as chief supply chain officer for six years. Her leadership at TVH focuses on operational efficiency, technology and customercentric growth.
• In January of this year, Superior Rigging & Erecting promoted Zach Olsen from chief operating officer to president.
He succeeds Patrick Lewis, who remains CEO
Olsen and will continue to be fully engaged in the direction and leadership of the company.
Olsen joined Superior as COO in October 2023, after nearly 16 years of extensive engineering, management and leadership experience at Turner Construction Company, where he oversaw projects costing up to $ 200 million and employing more than 1,100 workers.
During his career with Turner, Olsen, who holds a degree in civil engineering from Auburn University, served as field engineer and superintendent, cost engineer, business-development engineer, project engineer, project manager, senior project manager and manager of the special projects division.
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